The freehold of the Savoy is now being marketed.
Sadly, there are no internal vesitges remaining of its life as a cinema. The whole of the former auditorium was taken back to bare brick by the previous night club operator -a sign was erected stating: “Removing the past to create the future”
Sadly the Buzz Bingo operation has now closed which means the whole building is now unoccupied. This has brought 86 continuous years of entertainment use to an end. The 3 screen cinema operation under Odeon having closed in Sept 2003.
The Ritz had a Wurlitzer organ 3manual 8rank organ which was the exact same as the Ritz, Barnsley. Only 2 of that specification were ever made. No Compton was ever in this Ritz cinema.
New photo added
New photo added showing the doctors surgery that previously occupied the site of the Savoy cinema.
The freehold of the Savoy is now being marketed. Sadly, there are no internal vesitges remaining of its life as a cinema. The whole of the former auditorium was taken back to bare brick by the previous night club operator -a sign was erected stating: “Removing the past to create the future”
The Mecca bingo club closed 2 years ago. The building is currently being converted into a mosque.
The current night club use has ended & the operator has handed the lease back to the landlord. Closed 1st week of January 2025.
Sadly the Buzz Bingo operation has now closed which means the whole building is now unoccupied. This has brought 86 continuous years of entertainment use to an end. The 3 screen cinema operation under Odeon having closed in Sept 2003.
If anyone can source a photograph of this cinema, please feel free to upload it/them, many thanks 😊
With thanks to Mr.Paul Atkins of the Historic Aldershot Military Town Facebook group for information about this early cinema.
New photo added. The Manor Park Pavilion girl’s choir who went on to win the National final of the 1952 Christmas carol singing contest.
The Pavilion girl’s choir went on to win the National final of the Carol singing contest!
Sauna use has closed down as from 08/01/23
The Ritz had a Wurlitzer organ 3manual 8rank organ which was the exact same as the Ritz, Barnsley. Only 2 of that specification were ever made. No Compton was ever in this Ritz cinema.
New photo & comment added under the photo tab
Announced today that this Odeon will close on 27th Feb 2022. Site is being redevloped (mixed use) a new cinema is part of the plans.
View of auditorium prior to demolition 1960 uploaded
I recall the Plaza being a dance hall/disco & music venue in the early 1970’s
1966 photo added
New photo added
Photo added
The site of the demolished Savoy Cinema became a petrol station and has been known as Savoy petrol station for nearly 60 years
Darwen is not part of Greater Manchester. It is part of the unitary authority council of Blackburn with Darwen
2 photos added: program 6 March 1956
3 new colour photos of the auditorium prior to the conversion for night club use in 1987
Photo of the Purple Picture Palace uploaded. Entrance was in Arnside St.
3 new photos added