Shared description
Former Central Cinema, Hobson Street
The Central Cinema was first opened as a 525-seat cinema in 1921. In 1923, it was closed to be enlarged to 778 seats, reopening on 11th October 1923. The ‘old’ Central Cinema was closed at the end of May 1930, and was demolished.
In December 1934, the Central Cinema was taken over by the Union Cinemas chain. They in turn were taken over by Associated British Cinemas(ABC) in 1938. The Central Cinema was badly damaged by a fire on 25th April 1939, which resulted in the collapse of the roof. ABC began work immediately to rebuild the cinema, but things slowed down at the outbreak of World War II. Work had progressed so far, as a new roof had been installed, that they were allowed to continue, and the Central Cinema reopened on 11th November 1940.
The Central Cinema was closed by ABC in January 1972. It was purchased by the Star Cinemas chain and was converted into a Star Bingo Club. Later a Coral Bingo Club, it last operated as a Gala Bingo Club, which was closed in May 2009.
The building was boarded up. In July 2011, it was purchased by the Jam House, and after refurbishment is completed will reopen as a concert venue, catering to an older audience.
In December 1934, the Central Cinema was taken over by the Union Cinemas chain. They in turn were taken over by Associated British Cinemas(ABC) in 1938. The Central Cinema was badly damaged by a fire on 25th April 1939, which resulted in the collapse of the roof. ABC began work immediately to rebuild the cinema, but things slowed down at the outbreak of World War II. Work had progressed so far, as a new roof had been installed, that they were allowed to continue, and the Central Cinema reopened on 11th November 1940.
The Central Cinema was closed by ABC in January 1972. It was purchased by the Star Cinemas chain and was converted into a Star Bingo Club. Later a Coral Bingo Club, it last operated as a Gala Bingo Club, which was closed in May 2009.
The building was boarded up. In July 2011, it was purchased by the Jam House, and after refurbishment is completed will reopen as a concert venue, catering to an older audience.
by N Chadwick
Created: Thu, 15 May 2014, Updated: Fri, 2 Oct 2015
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