19th BLUE HERITAGE PLAQUE ‘THE PLAZA’
For its 19th blue plaque, Newbury Town Council is commemorating The Plaza, still well remembered as an entertainment venue by many Newbury residents. It was demolished in 1984, and its site at 16-18 Market Place is now occupied by Bill’s, the café, bar, and restaurant, who have kindly agreed to host the plaque.
The Plaza was built in 1925 by Jimmy Tufnail, a local businessman, and functioned at various times as a theatre, cinema and dance hall. During the 1960s many nationally well known (or soon to be well known) bands played there. They included The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Cream, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, and Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas, but a much longer list can be found in the notes on the Town Council’s website (https://newbury.gov.uk/history/blue-plaques/ ). It was also available for public and private hire.
The Plaza was bought by Newbury Borough Council in 1933. In 1983 it was sold and in 1984 demolished for redevelopment. After a period of occupation by Dreweatts, it was acquired by Bill’s and became the present restaurant.
The plaque will be unveiled by Cllr Andy Moore OBE, Mayor of Newbury, at 11am on Wednesday 28 August 2024.
Cllr Gary Norman, Leader of Newbury Town Council, said, “Bill’s are to be commended for agreeing to host this plaque, as are the Newbury Society for their generous contribution towards the cost.
The Plaza gave so much pleasure to Newbury citizens in the past and it is only right that it be commemorated. The building still integrates perfectly into the Market Place setting being modern in design and form, but classic in proportion.
Contact:
Cllr Gary Norman, Leader of the Council gary.norman@newbury.gov.uk
Toby Miles-Mallowan, CEO Newbury Town Council toby.miles-mallowan@newbury.gov.uk 01635 35486
