New Parade Cinema
8 Fort Hill,
Margate,
CT9 1HD
8 Fort Hill,
Margate,
CT9 1HD
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The Parade Cinema opened on 26th June 1911. Typical of a purpose-built cinema of its era, it had a barrel vaulted ceiling, and all seating was on a single floor. The right-hand side of the auditorium was extended beyond the main body of the auditorium, which gave a distorted veiew onto the screen for seating on that side. A sliding roof was provided for ventilation. The Parade Cinema was renovated in 1937.
By 1952, it had been taken over by the Classic Cinemas chain, and was re-named Classic Repertory Cinema. It was closed in 1963, and became a Vogue Bingo Club.
From July 1979 to November 1981, it went back to cinema use as a 16mm cinema club screening uncensored sex films, and was operated as the New Parade Cinema.
In 1982, it was converted into a snooker club. A false celiing has been inserted in the auditorium, hiding the original barrel vaulted ceiling, and the main entrance has been partially bricked in. In 2009, it is known as the Thanet Matchroom Social Club.
Contributed by
Ken Roe
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Recent comments (view all 2 comments)
Photo of the Parade as a snooker club here:–
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/392273760/
The original façade in the early days. View link
Sorry about the quality, this a very poor photo of a large panoramic print of Margate harbour – which has a relation to this building in itself. Someone I know rented the flat above this building a few years ago and I believe the print came from the Margate Museum archive. When he moved out they no longer wanted it and thus donated it to me, where it now proudly sits on my wall.
Comparing the old with the new, sadly the very top floor has been lost at some point in the building’s life, but a roof terrace with a new access door put in the top bedroom has replaced it.