Curzon Cinema
Princess Road, Bowfell Circle,
Flixton,
Urmston,
M41 5SQ
Princess Road, Bowfell Circle,
Flixton,
Urmston,
M41 5SQ
2 people
favorited this theater
Showing 20 comments
Client for the architect was noted as being Captain F. S. Eaton.
Travelled past this on Mon 20/3/23. Sadly no longer being used. As stated previously the last tenants had to quit. Plans have been submitted for redevelopment (with the front facade only being retained). See https://www.maddoxplanning.com/urmston
The current tennants Flixton School of Performing arts have just announced they are sadly closing down. The school were unable to fund repairs on the building so gave notice and the owner of the site has now sold it for a development of affordable housing. Plans go into Trafford council this week. A real shame if it is lost, this is the cinema my mum and grandmother always went to every week to see films in the 1940s and 50’s.
Hi, Peter, Good to hear from you again. Just seen your comments. Are you still in the business?
Great reading these comments I worked at the Curzon for Derick Moss looking after projection and sound and also did the refurbishment of screen 2 for him in 2002 I have uploaded a photo of that to. I wished this was still open great traditional cinema, does anyone no if any of the equipment is left in there?
I have what I believe is the café sign from a cinema in Urmston would anyone be able to help me confirm this?
I have put a Picture on that I think is The Curzon. Its Poor quailty. But might not be any other available
As aprojectionist who worked there many years ago when it was asingle screen, in answer to the question re the organ it was designed for one but never installed.
I owned (Leasehold) and ran this twin screen cinema from 1995 to Nov 2004. Just prior to the Trafford Centre opening we invested £20k in new carpet, seats, decor, foyer upgrade/repaint and a new FOH signbox with new logo’s. We also extended the programme to 4 shows daily per screen at weekends, school and bank hols. We maintained first run product and, due to sensible pricing levels at the box office and kiosk, retained a loyal family audience. The building fabric (and 14 separate flat roofs) was a concern when I took over and was costing a fortune to maintain, making the business somewhat unprofitable and eventually non-viable.
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/business/business-news/curzon-keeps-on-reeling-the-cinema-fans-1119243
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/show-goes-on-in-shadow-of-multiplex-1137912
Two further interior shots here:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4530642590/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4530010047/
Sad to say that the deal with the Lottery money fell apart. The Curzon closes on September 5th 2008. They have a couple of offers for the place but nothing confirmed.
From what I have been told the money is to be spent on the cinema itself. Due to a lot of local publicity the number of people visiting the cinema has increased but it created an increase in the complaints about the condition of the building. With brand new opposition from Trafford cinemas, the factor of general comfort becomes a priority on the list. The quality of the films shown is high but if the place is grubby patrons will avoid it. Now it is hoped the repairs will correct this.
Good news – does this involve refurbishing / enhancing the Curzon, or just subsidising running costs?
The Curzon has just been granted lottery funds to aid its preservation. As this is the last cinema of three in the district, it comes as great news.
It is repeatedly suggested that this cinema is not doing too well. Local websites suggest that the lease is up for sale. The building requires much in the way of maintenance and declining patronage is make life difficult all round. Any interest to alleviate this would be welcomed.
The Curzon was built by Ernest Nash-Eaton. He was responsible for around a dozen cinemas around Manchester for the period.
My quest is to find out, or confirm, that this cinema had a Theater Organ at one time.
Two photographs of the Curzon here:–
Exterior:
View link
Interior (main screen in former circle) :
View link
I have information that the Curzon Cinema opened in December 1936. It had a 20feet deep stage, a proscenium opening of 45 feet and 3 dressing rooms. Operated as an independent it was taken over by G.B. Snape Circuit in the mid-1950’s.
In the 1960’s it was altered to become a twin screen cinema and a Bingo Hall. The two screens were name Major (400 seats) and Minor (134 seats).
The New Curzon Cinema is not listed in the Kine' Yearbook 1940 edition (published 1939), but is listed in the 1944 edition. It could be the cinema was built in 1939 and allowed to open in 1940 after the outbreak of war.
It is listed as being in Flixton, Lancashire, the area today has been expanded to be part of the district of Urmston, Greater Manchester.
http://www.curzonmanchester.co.uk/