Coronet Cinema
99 Well Hall Road,
London,
SE9 6LX
99 Well Hall Road,
London,
SE9 6LX
4 people favorited this theater
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Looks like the original foyer (in particular, the floor) has been retained, now being used as the gym’s reception:
http://www.kinesisgym.co.uk/about-us/take-a-tour/
This place was an absolute flea-pit; I last visited in 1991, and the person accompanying me, not well versed in technical aspects of film presentation, complained that the “sound is quieter than my TV”! Admittedly, it does look more attractive in old photos.
The developer had promised a small replacement cinema in the former foyer building, to be built in Phase II, with the apartments built in Phase I. However, after Phase I had been built, the developer applied for permission for use as a gym, which has now opened.
As for the courtyard “mosaic” artwork intended to keep the memory of moviegoing… I fail to see the point.
For me, rule number 1 of a cinema is that it should be indoors and has enough elements to create a good sense of expectation. Rule number 2, it should have excellent HVAC.
(Rule number 0, of course, is that it should have the ability to show films!)
I think that’s as polite as I can be about the development.
The Eltham Society Newsletter for May 2012 says the flats built on the site are called Coronet Apartments, 6, Odeon Parade. They face a courtyard and on a blank wall a mosaic recalling Gone with the Wind and plant troughs resembling cinema seating have been provided.
More scanned images here (from 1986):–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4668018625/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4668018451/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4668018297/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4668018019/
A view from the circle in March 2009:
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A set of photographs of the Coronet Cinema (former Odeon, Well Hall) taken in February 2009, showing the current condition of the Grade II Listed building, both externally and internally:
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photos taken saturday sept 6 2008
exterior
http://www.flickr.com/photos/woody1969/2851118169/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/woody1969/2851947622/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/woody1969/2851932124/
side and rear
http://www.flickr.com/photos/woody1969/2851937422/
rotting canopy and front doors
http://www.flickr.com/photos/woody1969/2851928352/
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/woody1969/2851111491/
this I just found : looks like the auditorium would completely disappear just leaving the facade and foyer……
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Here are two photographs from August 2006, showing the current ‘real’ condition of the building:
http://flickr.com/photos/92215570@N00/203996493/
http://flickr.com/photos/92215570@N00/203996492/
I was going to add a similar comment – but it is fantastic image, showing how it could look, and countering the “get rid of the eyesore” arguments which usually accompany any derelict building.
That ‘June 2007’ photo has been ‘doctored’ with photoshop or similar. It is how the building would look if it were ever restored (minus the ‘Odeon’ signage of course, as Odeon have not owned the building for years).
A few more archive pictures before the cinema closed here:–
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A vintage photograph from October 1949 showing the Odeon release and some possible war-time damage and grime on the facade:
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A vintage photograph of the Odeon in April 1956 playing the Odeon release film:
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Playing the Rank release in May 1971:
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