A redeveloped Palais would complement the new cinema, and bar and restaurants in the Vaults

Let's face it; it's very unlikely that it would survive commercially if it was just run just as a dance hall, as it was in days gone by. But if it was redeveloped and used for a variety of functions such as concerts, business and political conventions, antique fairs and exhibitions, plays, pantomimes and theatre productions, talks and presentations by famous sports and show biz personalities, dance competitions, roller skating, and charity functions, as well as the other things mentioned in the Bolton News article i.e. wedding venues, cabaret nights, children's theatre, Northern Soul nights, roller discos, school proms, keep fit classes, local interest group meetings etcetera as well as a dance hall and dance school, the possibilities are endless. All it needs is a developer with the vision, foresight and drive to make it happen.

Bolton has only two other town centre venues that could be used for these types of functions, the Albert Hall and the Victoria Hall. The Albert Hall has no character and the seating and acoustics are dreadful, and I can't ever see a pop concert being held in the Victoria Hall!

A redeveloped Palais would complement the new cinema, and bar and restaurants in the Vaults as the centre of an entertainments complex in Bolton, something the town badly needs.

As far as the building being rat infested and needing major building work I think these claims are vastly exaggerated. When I was fortunate enough to take part in the BBC's "You make me feel like dancing" program last year the Palais didn't look in bad shape to me. You would think the Moorgarth Group and Bolton Council could see the sense in the potential of this as a new venture but they only seem interested in pulling it down and building new shops such as an extension to Debenhams or a car park.

O. S. Bird

Leyton Close

Farnworth