Rio Cinema

Built for the Kay Brothers chain, next to the Royal Hotel. A prominent building with a 60 foot façade. The Rio Cinema was opened on 21st June 1937. The foyer could hold 500 waiting patrons. A circular tea-room was provided on the first floor. Lou Morris acquired the Rio Cinema in 1941 and it was then taken over by Essoldo from 1945. The name was not changed due to their other cinemas in Sheerness. The surfeit of these caused closure of the Rio Cinema on 14th June 1958.

The Rio Cinema became a factory for Lilliput Toys but was empty by 1980. Demolished in 1988 and Ravelin House (a block of flats) stands on the site. The vast bulk was either missed or described locally as an eyesore.

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