Arsenal Cinema, Woolwich

The Arsenal Cinema opened in 1913 having been converted in part from a row of cottages in Beresford Street. The entrance was contained in a big semi-circular arch facing Beresford Square. It was built with a stage and four dressing rooms, and so, as did many cinemas in garrison towns, probably doubled as a theatre on occasions. Within two years it was enlarged, increasing the capacity almost by a third. It closed in 1961 and operated as bingo until 1966, when full-time bingo commenced at the Granada. It was demolished in 1968 for retail development.