On 12th February the demolition team seemed to be preparing to cut off the water and power supplies to the buildings, including the Astoria, on the corner of Charing Cross Road.
Some photos taken this week – February 2009 – of the interiors of the two cinemas, and (just for Simon Overton) a shot of the exterior from the other side – note how the signage is angled away towards Leicester Square!
A good conversion, with the new screen luxuriously fitted out. Interesting to see the unusual arrangement for the new projection suite at the front of the former balcony.
The Plaza was inserted into the Assembly rooms after a fire damaged the original room. Parts of the plasterwork have been relocated in the new Howard Assembly Rooms ( which are adaptable and acoustically superb – just a shame that the fine Plaza auditorium was obliterated to re-create the original design). Photos from February 2009 here:–
Ian
commented about
State Clubon
Dec 15, 2008 at 4:23 am
A couple of minor amendments – the cinema reopened on the 29th February 2008, and the Club on 29th November 2007. Seating is in individual armchairs in the front stalls area. The cinema seems to have been owned throughout it’s first life by Star Cinemas (Gainsborough) Limited. Some photographs taken in December 2008 here:–
Ian
commented about
Royal Hallon
Nov 27, 2008 at 4:42 am
Around a dozen new photos taken well after the re-opening, together with several of the above during refurbishment shots (work-in-progress)can be found in this set:–
As stated above the former circle has now been split into two unequal portions (90 seats and 40 seats approx), but a great deal of care has gone into disguising the partition wall to look like the original decor. Regrettably neither cinema has screen tabs now.
That is largely because it is practically only possible to photograph this theatre from one angle – the streets are so narrow and the only other facade is rather dull!
I have to say I largely agree with the outcome although this has been brought about by iniquities that should not exist.
1) the interior was deliberately trashed before English Heritage could view the Odeon. Such acts of vandalism should be made legally reversible at the cost of the owner if EH decide that prior to the destruction it was listable. Furthermore EH should have the right to thoroughly inspect a building (including looking behind partition walls and above ceilings causing potential damage to existing fittings) before coming to a conclusion.
2) if organisations such as Odeon’s owners place a covenant on a building to prevent a specific use in the future then a portion of the sale price should be required to be donated to other similar enterprises in the area. So say a 20% levy on this development purchase price should be made available to aid cinema preservation in the area. Cutting into their profits is the only way to stop restrictive practises. At least if one building is lost, then another might be saved.
3) the dereliction and sub-division it itself is not insurmountable. I commented recently on the Berkhamsted Rex which was in a far worse state than the Odeon, but where there was a will (much opposed) to save it. There is no such desire in Manchester to save the Odeon
They were so unsure of the success of this multiplex that included in the specification for the design was the ability to convert it to a supermarket! It was initially a big hit, although lamentably plain as these images show. The poor raking and high screens (note the exit doors below) made for less than ideal viewings :–
This was one of the first closures of a UK multiplex.
Ian
commented about
Rex Cinemaon
Oct 25, 2008 at 4:06 am
Sorry, I have not been able to locate any report of the opening which gives the colour scheme.
I did find a Hansard report from 1998 which the then MP asked the Minister to have the Rex de-listed and replaced by sheltered housing! View link
[i]
Mr. Page
If he will visit the Rex cinema in Berkhamsted. [32897]
The Minister for Film and Tourism (Mr. Tom Clarke)
I have no plans to visit the Rex cinema. If it were currently showing a good British film, I might be temptedâ€"but, as the hon. Gentleman knows, the Rex has been closed for years.
Mr. Page
I am disappointed that the right hon. Gentleman will not visit the Rex cinema. As he has rightly said, it has been closed for some years. It is in a dilapidated state; £2 million is needed to glue it together. Berkhamsted is an attractive town and the Rex cinema, in the middle of it, is an eyesore.
As I said, £2 million is needed to repair the cinema. If it is used for cultural purposes, it will require £100,000 to £200,000 a year in subsidies. Will the Minister either provide the £2 million that is needed to bring the cinema back to its former glory and the £100,000 to £200,000 a year to maintain it or allow the frieze around the screen and the plaster shells on the sideâ€"which, as the Minister will know from his 1930s days are the sort of features that have given the Rex its listingâ€"to be stored elsewhere? Better still, will the Minister take steps to remove the listing, allow the site to be developed for sheltered housing and take the pressure off the green belt, which is so badly needed in Hertfordshire?
Mr. Clarke
I have no intention of intervening. It is true that my Department has received letters, but only two have been opposed to the listing. One such letter was from the hon. Gentleman on 19 May 1997, in which he enclosed a letter from the developers. However, the local authority, the Friends of the Rex, the Ancient Monuments Society and the Cinema Theatre Association all support the listing. The hon. Gentleman will know that there is a presumption in favour of the preservation of listed buildings. We support that view.
Another photo of the cinema as a supermarket here:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/141621221/
On 12th February the demolition team seemed to be preparing to cut off the water and power supplies to the buildings, including the Astoria, on the corner of Charing Cross Road.
A few last pictures of the Astoria here:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3280155534/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3280155052/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3280154732/
Films seem like they may be discontinued after the Hippodrome has changed hands –
View link
Some photos taken this week – February 2009 – of the interiors of the two cinemas, and (just for Simon Overton) a shot of the exterior from the other side – note how the signage is angled away towards Leicester Square!
Exterior:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3277684583/
Downstairs screen and new projection box:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3277684883/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3278507494/
Upstairs (new) screen:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3277685281/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3277685117/
A good conversion, with the new screen luxuriously fitted out. Interesting to see the unusual arrangement for the new projection suite at the front of the former balcony.
More images can be seen here:
Exterior
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/2057660274/
Interior
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/2057660046/
No that is the same cinema.
The Plaza was inserted into the Assembly rooms after a fire damaged the original room. Parts of the plasterwork have been relocated in the new Howard Assembly Rooms ( which are adaptable and acoustically superb – just a shame that the fine Plaza auditorium was obliterated to re-create the original design). Photos from February 2009 here:–
Interior:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3265079994/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3264256335/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3265080688/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3265071554/
and an exterior:-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3264245641/
Photographs taken in December 2008 here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3134487145/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3135308432/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3135308328/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3134486779/
A few more photographs from December 2008:-
Exterior:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3117201711/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3117201575/
Interior:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3117201821/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3118028632/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3118028472/
A few more shots of the Civic from 1997 here:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/406838873/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/406838867/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/406838871/
Another shot of the Majestic / Odeon which is looking in a sad state now:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/2384362901/
A couple of minor amendments – the cinema reopened on the 29th February 2008, and the Club on 29th November 2007. Seating is in individual armchairs in the front stalls area. The cinema seems to have been owned throughout it’s first life by Star Cinemas (Gainsborough) Limited. Some photographs taken in December 2008 here:–
Exterior:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3110261956/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3110262134/
Foyer:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3109430313/
Auditorium:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3110262670/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3109430413/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3109430517/
At the time of demolition there was talk of the stage grid and machinery being dismantled and saved – does anyone know if this actually happened?
Two exterior photographs from 1994 here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/332053553/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/332053554/
Photographs taken in 1994 can be found here:
Exterior:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/331843068/
Interior:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/331843066/
A photo taken around 1978ish – must have been very soon after opening – here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/1171344678/
Photo from 1994 here:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/332041865/
Around a dozen new photos taken well after the re-opening, together with several of the above during refurbishment shots (work-in-progress)can be found in this set:–
View link
As stated above the former circle has now been split into two unequal portions (90 seats and 40 seats approx), but a great deal of care has gone into disguising the partition wall to look like the original decor. Regrettably neither cinema has screen tabs now.
Some photos from November 2008 here:-
Exterior:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3047130105/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3047130271/
Foyer:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3047130535/
Auditoria:
(larger) http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3047130817/
(smaller) http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/3047966718/
That is largely because it is practically only possible to photograph this theatre from one angle – the streets are so narrow and the only other facade is rather dull!
However here is an interior photograph :-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/61348848/
I have to say I largely agree with the outcome although this has been brought about by iniquities that should not exist.
1) the interior was deliberately trashed before English Heritage could view the Odeon. Such acts of vandalism should be made legally reversible at the cost of the owner if EH decide that prior to the destruction it was listable. Furthermore EH should have the right to thoroughly inspect a building (including looking behind partition walls and above ceilings causing potential damage to existing fittings) before coming to a conclusion.
2) if organisations such as Odeon’s owners place a covenant on a building to prevent a specific use in the future then a portion of the sale price should be required to be donated to other similar enterprises in the area. So say a 20% levy on this development purchase price should be made available to aid cinema preservation in the area. Cutting into their profits is the only way to stop restrictive practises. At least if one building is lost, then another might be saved.
3) the dereliction and sub-division it itself is not insurmountable. I commented recently on the Berkhamsted Rex which was in a far worse state than the Odeon, but where there was a will (much opposed) to save it. There is no such desire in Manchester to save the Odeon
A few photos – interior and exterior can be found here:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/2842686544/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/274045756/ (includes ceiling)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/274045751/ (includes projection room window)
A few more photos here – exterior and interior taken in 2006 and 1988
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/103077469/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/2123407434/
(that light fitting is now in the Hollywood Plaza, Scarborough)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/2123407184/
They were so unsure of the success of this multiplex that included in the specification for the design was the ability to convert it to a supermarket! It was initially a big hit, although lamentably plain as these images show. The poor raking and high screens (note the exit doors below) made for less than ideal viewings :–
Exterior (1988) http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/2128476115/
Projection (1988) http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/2129253506/
Auditoria (1988) http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/2128475251/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/2129253216/
This was one of the first closures of a UK multiplex.
Sorry, I have not been able to locate any report of the opening which gives the colour scheme.
I did find a Hansard report from 1998 which the then MP asked the Minister to have the Rex de-listed and replaced by sheltered housing!
View link
[i]
If he will visit the Rex cinema in Berkhamsted. [32897]
The Minister for Film and Tourism (Mr. Tom Clarke)
I have no plans to visit the Rex cinema. If it were currently showing a good British film, I might be temptedâ€"but, as the hon. Gentleman knows, the Rex has been closed for years.
Mr. Page
I am disappointed that the right hon. Gentleman will not visit the Rex cinema. As he has rightly said, it has been closed for some years. It is in a dilapidated state; £2 million is needed to glue it together. Berkhamsted is an attractive town and the Rex cinema, in the middle of it, is an eyesore.
As I said, £2 million is needed to repair the cinema. If it is used for cultural purposes, it will require £100,000 to £200,000 a year in subsidies. Will the Minister either provide the £2 million that is needed to bring the cinema back to its former glory and the £100,000 to £200,000 a year to maintain it or allow the frieze around the screen and the plaster shells on the sideâ€"which, as the Minister will know from his 1930s days are the sort of features that have given the Rex its listingâ€"to be stored elsewhere? Better still, will the Minister take steps to remove the listing, allow the site to be developed for sheltered housing and take the pressure off the green belt, which is so badly needed in Hertfordshire?
Mr. Clarke
I have no intention of intervening. It is true that my Department has received letters, but only two have been opposed to the listing. One such letter was from the hon. Gentleman on 19 May 1997, in which he enclosed a letter from the developers. However, the local authority, the Friends of the Rex, the Ancient Monuments Society and the Cinema Theatre Association all support the listing. The hon. Gentleman will know that there is a presumption in favour of the preservation of listed buildings. We support that view.
[/i]
Three current images of the Odeon after closure, with the development notice attached to the facade.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/2969119168/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/2968274159/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/2968274081/