Stafford's historic Sandonia cinema frontage could be moved brick by brick

Heritage organisations from across the country campaigned to save the 1920 landmark.

Sandon Road residents have complained the disused cinema is "an eyesore" and owner David Parker wants to redevelop the land as a catalyst for regeneration with family homes.

Stoke cinema owner Andy Jones announced plans to salvage the frontage and rebuild it elsewhere saving it for future generations.

Stoke-on-Trent Cinema enthusiast Mr Jones has enlisted the help of Cinema Theatre Trust to move the building.

“I have built a cinema in my own back garden using materials salvaged from the 1970s ABC cinema in Hanley and around the country,” said the 43-year-old bus driver from Blurton.

“The Sandonia is just off the 101 bus route between Stafford and Stoke, which I drive regularly, so I knew it had a wonderful ceramic frontage and the owner was prepared to let me do it at my own expense.

"I won a £5,000 grant from the Cinema Theatre Trust so funding is available and I am sure more can be found.”

Mr Jones already has part of the Sandonia frontage in his home for safekeeping, with the permission of the owner.

Stafford MP Theo Clarke wants the regeneration of the Foregate area and backed Stafford Council conservation officers.

“I hope the developer will see the advantages of working with those who wish to preserve this part of Stafford’s heritage as part of its future prosperity too.”

Developer David Parker has spoken to the Express & Star about his desire to regenerate the area using the land around the Sandonia.

He said: "People who live near the Sandonia think its an eyesore and a lot of the campaigners are not even from Stafford.

"This part of Stafford has suffered since the university left and there is a shortage of houses for families. We need families to come back to regenerate the area. The houses I want to build will all have gardens and will be perfect for families."