We wrote back in January 2010 of plans from the people behind Sankeys for a new ‘superclub’ in Trafford Park. The venue is currently a large warehouse and Dave Vincent, owner of Sankeys, planned to turn it into a venue ‘in the same vein as the London O2’. A big one, In other words. There was at the time some consternation from the local community – petitions were started, objections put forward and, after a consultation meeting, everything went quiet. Until now.

News arrives this week that the project has not faded away, as we thought it might have, but quite the opposite. We quote: “Stadium Point Ltd will soon be submitting proposals to Trafford Council for the change of use of an existing vacant industrial unit off Trafford Wharf Road from storage and distribution to a music events venue for up to 16,000 people. Known previously as Stadium Point, the venue will be called The Power Station.”

So there we have it – The Power Station is to be Manchester’s latest, and certainly biggest, live music venue. Or rather it is if they can get the plans past the already very visible and vocal public objection campaign. Over the next week the people behind The Power Station will be holding some open exhibition events in the area, to allow local residents and businesses the opportunity to find out more and ask any questions they wish. The leaflet we’ve seen, however, titled ‘Sleepless in Salford: Residents Against Stadium Point’, which comes with a picture of Hazel ‘Expenses’ Blears on the front, indicates that many have already made their minds up.

“The proposal openly admits to planning all night events for up to 16,000 people ‘who want to stand and dance’’ Raves by any other name”, the Daily Mail inspired piece exclaims. “Please go along to one of the consultation events, consider what you see and tell them what you think,” they urge. Which isn’t a bad idea. Here’s when and where they’re taking place:

Manchester United FC
Stretford Suite (South Stand of Stadium)
Thursday, 17th June 2010 4-7pm
Saturday, 19th June 2010 2 - 5pm

The Lowry arts centre
The Hexagon Room, Salford Quays
Friday 18th June 2010 4 - 7pm
Saturday, 19th June 2010 10am - 1pm

Here’s a couple of pictures of what the site looks like in its current state (taken in January – hence the snow), followed by an ‘artists’ mock up we nicked of the Power Station website.