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Hippodrome Cinema

2362

Circular hippodrome with entrance pavilions at either end in typically Scottish debased Art Nouveau style. Harled exterior with cornices around shallow domed roof. First floor of main entrance with dome is a later addition. Interior is an amphitheatre with ring, altered to a cinema about 1916 then, from 1960s, bingo club. In 2009, the building reopened as a cinema following a £2.1 million restoration. A remarkable and fascinating survivor.

Built / Converted
1912
Dates of use
  • 1912 : until 1970s, cinema with variety.
  • 2009 : Cinema, continuing
Current state
Extant
Current use
Cinema
Address
Hope Street, Bo'ness, West Lothian, Scotland
Further details
Other names
Hippodrome
Events
  • 1912 Owner/Management: Louis D Dickson
  • 1912 Use: until 1970s, cinema with variety.
  • 1912 Design/Construction: opened in March.
    Matthew Steele
    - Architect
  • 1916 Alteration: converted to cinema (architect unknown).
  • 1924 Alteration: added box office
    John Taylor
    - Architect
  • 1926 Alteration: alterations to roof
    John Taylor
    - Architect
  • 1929 Alteration: alterations to auditorium (architect unknown).
  • 1930 Alteration: new gallery; new exit
    John Taylor
    - Architect
  • 1930 - 1939 Owner/Management: Caledonian Associated Cinemas
  • 1936 Alteration: new entrance to Hope Street
    John Taylor
    - Architect
  • 1948 Owner/Management: Caledonian Associated Cinemas, owners; Louis Dickson, manager.
  • 1970 - 1979 Alteration: converted to bingo (architect unknown).
  • 2006 Owner/Management: Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, owners
  • 2008 Alteration: Major restoration and conversion to cinema and heritage centre as part of Townscape Heritage Initiative project..
    Pollock Hammond Partnership
    - Architect
  • 2009 Owner/Management: Falkirk Community Trust on behalf of Falkirk Council, management
  • 2009 Use: Cinema, continuing
Capacities
-
Listings
  • Listing
    A
    Comment
    [C(s) from 1.6.1979; upgraded to B 29.1.1990]
Stage type
-
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: -
Proscenium width: -
Height to grid: -
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: -