Thu 10th January
Look Local
STOCKSBRIDGE received a huge boost this week as STEP Development Trust announced that The Venue will open on Sunday March 2.
The Venue, a new entertainment complex, has been built inside the shell of the Victory Club with over £2 million capital investment from STEP Development Trust, Objective 1 and the European Regional Development Fund, administered by Stocksbridge Futures Partnership.
The new centre will offer a wide range of facilities to both the local and wider communities and look to be the venue of choice for people of all ages.
The facilities include two large auditoriums with in-house PA system, a range of smaller multi-function rooms, a public bar and lounge.
Bosses say that The Venue will promote quality entertainment not previously seen in the locality with good quality bar meals available in the spring.
All public rooms will be available for hire and are suitable for celebrations and conferences/meetings.
Doug Patterson, Chair of The Venue's Board told Look Local: "The Venue will offer the people of Stocksbridge and the surrounding area new opportunities to enjoy quality entertainment without having to travel miles.
"We believe that when former patrons of The Victory Club return, they will see that it has been totally transformed into a unique leisure and entertainment facility for the people of the valley and beyond."
The centre has been specially designed to allow for a host of functions, meaning that many of the rooms could be used for training or even music recording.
Venue General Manager, Tony Kniveton told Look Local: "It's important that the centre is used by the local people and that it becomes something that they are proud of.
"A lot of thought has gone into The Venue but we still welcome the ideas of the community. We'd love to know what you'd like to see The Venue used for."
The Venue have also announced its opening programme, with antiques expert Nick Knowles and funny man Phil Cool among the booked acts.
November 2008 
