New Plaza has whole new look

It has hosted the likes of The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Dusty Springfield — now Old Hill Plaza is moving into the next stage of its story, with a new look and a new name.

Rebranded the Platinum Plaza, the landmark venue will reopen on May 28, reverting to its soul roots with a Temptations tribute band taking centre stage. The Express & Star has been given the first glimpse inside.

The retro fixtures and fittings have been ripped out, replaced by twinkling lights, chandeliers and a black and white checked dance floor.

The front doors are blacked out, concealing an opulent water feature, and coloured lights that lead the way to the upstairs function room.

From the outside, the venue, in Halesowen Road, is covered in grey cladding, and is still awaiting the new name sign. Three chandeliers are on their way, ready to adorn the dance room.

For owner Ashok Kumar these are the final stages in the project which has been six months in the making.

The 50-year-old, from Handsworth, said: "This has been 24 hours a day and very hard work, but I am very happy with the results. It is down to a lot of people who have helped me out."

Mr Kumar has travelled everywhere from Blackpool to Brighton, China to Dubai, to get inspiration for the Plaza, tasking Brownhills handyman Nigel Cooke with carrying out his demands.

Nigel, aged 54, from IC Projects, said: "We are so pleased with the finish. When we first came here there was a pile of rubble in the middle of the room, all the old bingo stuff. We had to clear it out and basically start from scratch."

By Lucy Townsend