Wallaw Cinema
14 Union Street,
Blyth,
NE24 2DX
14 Union Street,
Blyth,
NE24 2DX
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Designed by the pre-eminent cinema architecture firm of the northeast of England, Percy Lindsay Browne, Son & Harding, the Wallaw Cinema opened on 16th November 1937 with 1,600 seats.
The plain squat Moderne style facade belies the attractive auditorium within, but its dignified bulk is nevertheless a skilled massing of foyer, auditorium and stage brick blocks dressed with stone.
The wonderful Art Moderne foyer contains its original fittings including metal handrails, balustrades and inlaid doors.
The auditorium was sensitively sub-divided in 1987 with the two small screens hidden beneath the balcony. These are comfortable but undistinguished.
The main screen however was a delight with all original fittings, covered lighting in full working order, decorative plasterwork and wood facings to walls intact, etc.
The Wallaw Cinema was refurbished and redecorated in 1998 and it was designated a Grade II Listed building by English Heritage.
The cinema closed in 2004, with “The Passion of the Christ” the last film screened.
Contributed by
Ian Grundy
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Recent comments (view all 15 comments)
Does anyone know the company details of who owns the Wallaw Theatre?
Many Thanks for that I think I have an idea who the local haulage firm may be.
A lot of the information above is incorrect.I worked at the wallaw from august 1984[which is when fergusons transport bought the building]to its closure last year.It was leased to and run by bob milner until 1997.During that time bob built the business up and it was a very well run popular cinema.Bob and myself restored a lot of the decor and fittings and managed to get the building listed.Since bob left i have witnessed the gradual decline until closure last year.their were many reasons which i cant go in to why the cinema ended up closing but im sure it could be restored and reopen once again.It does need someone to spend some money on it but as a keyholder i know the equipment hasn`t been removed.Its all still there.Seats,screens,projectors,etc.There have been two people interested in reopening it as a cinema and someone who wanted to turn it in to a nightclub.Nothing became of any of these proposals and now the building stands decaying.If nothing is done soon it will be to late.The building is for sale or to let if anyones interested.
This may seem strange but I am part of a Paranormal Group who is looking to spend the night in old places. For various reasons I believe the Wallaw may be a good location to spend the night as with other old buildings in Blyth. The was the reason for asking if anyone knew who owned it. Since my original post the News Post Leader did a photo shoot with me which should be in the local paper very soon. The idea being for the owners to let us spend the night. I am originally from Blyth so if I fail to spend the night at least there has been some publicity for what was a great cinema!!!!
FAO Project, Re Wallow theatre
Can you tell me if this cinema is still available on the market to lease of for sale. I may be interested but need to view it and the area in which it is in. I was very interested in reading about it . looks like it was a real nice cinema once. I’m curious as to what is happenning with it now. There seems to be no way of contacting you direct on this site. Can you reply to me please at .uk thanks jon
Further photographs of the Wallaw are here:–
Exterior:-
http://flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/342786914/
http://flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/342786910/
Circle Foyer:-
http://flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/342786908/
Auditorium (screen 1) :-
http://flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/342786903/
http://flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/342786900/
This link gives the address for a Wallaw Cinema as 14 Union Street.
i got access and was inside the wallaw cinema today 16/04/2008 and all my photos are on my myspace photo album which is linked here.
View link
the lobby area is flooded because of a hole in the roof which is tradgic. but that is the bulk of the damage. there is a small leak in majour screen in the upper circle section. then the rest of what is needed is simple cosmetiics replacement sound systems, new seats and some paint. other than that the building is screaming for a new lease of life. the place may look beaten down. but with some money its still possible to recindle what it had. check those pictures out and contact me on myspace if you want to talk.
A series of photos taken in 2010 here – the building is still sound and restorable, but time is running out.
Exterior
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4919400710/
Foyer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4918802951/
Auditorium
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4918803165/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4918803393/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/4918803641/
If you go to the estate agent it is under offer. It is going to become a Wetherspoons Pub. I do not know whether to be happy or sad. It is becoming derelict so this will prevent demolition but at what cost will it become a pub? Windows in walls… loosing the original lighting troughs, light fittings Lets hope not!!