Exchange Cinema

In the centre of Ely, Cambridgeshire, the Corn Exchange was constructed in 1847. Between 1880 and 1890, the Public Room adjoining it was built on the site of the Sessions House.

When the Public Room was completed, it was discovered that the architect had not allowed for any stairs to the gallery(!), so a further parcel of land had to be acquired at the side of the Corn Exchange to build the staircase.

The Corn Exchange and the Public Room became popular venues for all manner of social functions. In 1910 the Public Room was provided with a maple floor for roller skating then, on 15th May 1919, a Cinematograph Licence was granted to Bertram Bendall, who opened the City Picture Hall, seating 268 in the stalls and 67 in the gallery.

The City Picture Hall probably closed in 1922. New licensee Walter James Robb renewed the licence from 1st January 1923 in the name of The Public Room Cinema.

The 1953 Kinematograph Year Book lists 400 seats. Either this is an exaggeration, or somehow, at some time, the seating capacity was increased. The proprietor is shown as Ely Cinema Company.

In 1958 the frontage of the cinema was revamped. Presumably this coincided with CinemaScope being installed, and a name change, to Exchange Cinema.

The Exchange Cinema closed on 13th May 1963.

It was demolished, along with the Corn Exchange, in 1964. The whole area has since been redeveloped.

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