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Pavilion

607

The Pavilion was first proposed in 1876. The second of two competitions assessed by Sir Edwin Cooper led to the design by G Wyville Home and Shirley Knight being selected. This had been modified by the time it was executed in 1928-9.

The complex consists of a theatre/concert hall (originally designed for the Municipal Orchestra, with a fly tower added in 1934) a ballroom and restaurant. Brick and Empire stone elevations in Beaux Arts manner, partly two, partly three-storey with the central block flanked by pavilions and with later additions in matching style. The main entrance is set in a shallow portico with square columns in antis. Hipped, pantiled roofs, that to the main theatre block being in the form of a shallow pyramid crowned by a low cap, somewhat reminiscent of the roof of the Tower of the Winds.

The auditorium is approached through a cross-vestibule containing principal circular staircases to left and right, and a 'silence' corridor. The auditorium is square on plan with a domed ceiling and is decorated in a restrained Grecian manner. It has raked stalls and at high level there is a promenade on three sides behind the perimeter columns; simply decorated front to dress circle. The proscenium is plain, supported by two square columns with reeded ante-proscenium housing the organ pipes. The Compton organ (1929) is on a lift at the side of the orchestra pit.

The Pavilion, when listed in 1998, was described as 'an excellent example in good condition of a purpose-built multi-purpose entertainment venue built to serve a major sea-side resort. Other resorts do not have such a complete and complex example of this style and period.' The Pleasure Gardens which surround the Pavilion are on English Heritage's Garden Register.

Built / Converted
1929
Dates of use
  • 1929 : continuing
Current state
Extant
Current use
Theatre (and ballroom)
Address
Westover Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2BU, England
Website-
Further details
Other names
Concert Hall
Events
  • Owner/Management: Meyrick Estate, owners
  • Owner/Management: Bournemouth Borough Council, lessees
  • 1929 Use: continuing
  • 1929 Design/Construction:
    G Wyville Home & Shirley Knight
    - Architect
    Jones & Sewand Ltd
    - Builder
  • 1934 Alteration: concert platform converted to stage house; flying system, revolve and lift to stage installed (architect unknown).
  • 1950 - 1959 Alteration: further remodelling (architect unknown).
  • 1980 - 1989 Alteration: foyer areas improvements (architect unknown).
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Later
    Description
    1946: 1518
  • Capacity
    Current
    Description
    1518
  • Capacity
    Later
    Description
    2014: 1448
Listings
  • Listing
    II
    Comment
    Listed January 1998
Stage type
Proscenium flat
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: Depth: 12.19m Width SL: 4.88m SR: 6.1m
Proscenium width: 13.64m x 8.53m
Height to grid: 14.63m
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: Original. Forestage lift to provide orchestra pit.