Pavilion
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.
- 1929 : continuing
Further details
- Owner/Management: Meyrick Estate, owners
- Owner/Management: Bournemouth Borough Council, lessees
- 1929 Use: continuing
- 1929 Design/Construction:G Wyville Home & Shirley Knight- ArchitectJones & 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).
- CapacityLaterDescription1946: 1518
- CapacityCurrentDescription1518
- CapacityLaterDescription2014: 1448
- ListingIICommentListed January 1998