HOPES of reviving Northwich Plaza as a venue for gigs and weddings have not been dashed by the pandemic.

However, it could be a while before the much-loved building becomes a regular host for concerts and events, as its owner feels a vaccine may need to come first.

The unique former Witton Street cinema-turned-bingo hall, packed with art deco charm, closed its doors in 2011.

Music lovers have since experienced a taste of what the Plaza could offer as a venue during North by Northwich in 2018, along with a fundraising show from Pete Doherty in February 2019 and an event to support market traders following the fire in January.

Winsford-based firm Tipi Unique also released images showing how the Plaza could look as a wedding venue in March – just weeks before the Covid-19 lockdown.

While many venues have struggled to cover their costs due to a lack of income, owner Will Godfrey says the Plaza has benefitted from not yet being up and running.

But while that puts the Plaza in a stronger position financially, Will feels the pandemic will need resolving before it can come alive.

He told the Guardian: "Luckily, because we are not open yet, it has not really affected us at the moment. We haven't had those costs and overheads that other venues have suffered with.

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"I am sure that there are probably going to be further waves of coronavirus so we are just trying to get work done internally at the moment before seeing how things pan out.

"Really, I don't think anything will happen until there is a vaccine, especially for music concerts and things like that."