Odeon

Designed by Cecil A Masey in the same Mediterranean style as cinemas such as the Granada Walthamstow, the Empire cinema was built in 1931 with a Spanish gabled front and an auditorium with the romantic appeal of an Italian courtyard. The facade had a central entrance bay with a high arched window with an almost Gothic apex above, flanked by side bays at either side in Italian style with balconied windows and shops at ground floor level. The theatre was fully equipped with stage facilities and dressing rooms, cafe and bar areas. Live performances were presented as well as films. The Wurlitzer organ, made in 1928 in America, was installed in the Regal in 1931 and stayed there until 1963. Fire in 1944 closed the building for three months after which it was refurbished. The interior was subdivided into three screens in 1974 ending stage use. A fourth screen was added in 1987 and two more in 1991 but the cinema closed in 2002 and remained derelict until it was put up for sale in 2012. Current redevelopment plans allow the Art Deco facade and foyer of the former cinema to be kept and restored.