Grosvenor

• Theatre ID
  2723
• Built / Converted
  1936
• Dates of use
  • 1936: Until when not known.
• Current state
  Extant
• Current use
  Religious centre (Zoroastrian centre)
• Address
  440 Alexandra Avenue, Rayners Lane, Harrow, London, HA2 9TL, England

Details

Perhaps the best example of Bromige's unique streamline Art Deco style, the Grosvenor survives more or less in original form. It was built for the Hammond Dawes circuit in collaboration with developer T F Nash, who was responsible for the housing development in the Rayners Lane area. It opened in 1936 with cine-variety, the variety being a lavish stage production. The auditorium runs parallel to Alexandra Avenue, brick with some banded relief. The striking entrance is a swirl of concave and convex windows above an almost semi-circular canopy, the focal point being a fin sign set into a huge curved feature which culminated originally in a revolving sign, both bearing the name of the cinema. Three sets of double doors lead to an Art Deco foyer with central pay-box, ceiling and cornices lit with cove lighting. The main feature of the auditorium is the exciting movement of the sweeping curved ceiling, originally lit with cove lighting, some of which survives. Comfortable balcony, with ex-tea room above foyer. Perhaps the most exciting cinematic design (with the exception of some of Komisarjevsky's) in London. The building passed to Odeon, to Granada, and to an independent; the lease ran out in 1981. It had just been given Grade II listed status, and despite much public feeling, it became a night club. In 1988, status was raised to Grade II*. Acquired in 2000 by a religious group, with plans to restore the interior - although the now flat auditorium, and the present higher stage level (which impedes get-out) likely to remain.

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• Other names
  Odeon, Gaumont, Odeon, Ace, Cinebar
• Events
  • Owner/Management: ABC
  • 1936 Use: Until when not known.
  • 1936 Design/Construction:
    • F E Bromige - Architect
  • 1936 Owner/Management: Hammond Dawes Circuit
  • 1937 Owner/Management: Odeon
  • 1981 Alteration: stalls area levelled; stage raised (architect unknown).
  • 1981 Owner/Management: independent cinema owner
  • 2000 Owner/Management: Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe (inc)
• Capacities
  • Original: 1235
• Listings
  • Grade II*
• Stage type
  • Proscenium flat