Prior to demolition for the new Picturedrome on the site, additions were made to the cinema in 1928, alterations in 1930, and finally, reconstruction after a fire, with a shelter for waiting patrons, all done by the architect Robert Sharpe Hill. The reconstruction that followed in 1934 were to the plans of John McBride Neill in a superb art-deco style.
The same year that the plans were submitted by John McBride Neill (1935) coincides with another plan submitted by architect Thomas H. Guthrie, at the same location - Holywood Road and Pim’s Avenue, however, Guthrie’s plans weren’t built. Was the site originally an independent’s site sold to Union Cinemas? Or were the plans of Guthrie amended by Neill and built?
Architect for the conversion from retail premises to a cinema was William Moore, these plans were submitted in 1911. Extensive premises of C. Millar & Co., house furnishers, being converted into cinema by Mr Alex Murdoch, Cullingree Rd. Further alterations were carried out to the plans of John MacGeagh in 1930, by then called the Lyric Cinema. John MacGeagh also made further changes in 1932, the removal of side balcony in High Street.
A second architect is noted for this change of use to cinema use. I’m guessing that he was the ‘on site’ architect perhaps, with Bertie Crewe remaining in London mainly? Architect of this cinema was Samuel Stevenson. New cinema. Tenders invited, Aug 1922; ‘nearing completion’, Aug 1923. Contractor: Robert Gilchrist. A ‘colonnaded four-story building with semi-circular corner entrance, whose manager and thirty-piece orchestra changed into evening dress after 5 o'clock each day’ (Patton)
Architect was John McBride Neill. In answer to JohnGn’s question, the last Gaumont to be re-branded to Odeon was the former Gaumont Palace in Doncaster, Yorkshire. This didn’t happen until as late as 1987.
To add to my above comments, also in 1937, a further cinema to the designs of architect Thomas Robert Eager are also listed in the above mentioned directory, however, only the road name is mentioned, no cinema name, so this could be a further plan for this site, or another along the Crumlin Road. Further work is needed to sort these out I fear!
Plans for the Forum were submitted to the planners in 1936 by architect Robert Sharpe Hill, but were these the ones actually built? A further set of plans for the Forum Cinema were submitted by architect John McBride Neill early in 1937 for a cinema and a shop. Neill’s work has been noted as being built in the ‘Dictionary of Irish Architects 1720 - 1940’ online, whereas the line noting Hill’s work is left blank, indicating that it was not built at all….
To help Joe, and Ken, the Theatre Royal wasn’t completely demolished, but instead, remodelled into the Royal Cinema. The architect for this work was Bertie Crewe, he submitted plans for the remodelling of the TR in 1915. The design was similar to that used in London a few years earlier.
Plans deposited in 1915 show this as being a conversion of the Theatre Royal, rather than demolition and a new build, also, the architect is given as being Bertie Crewe, so little wonder it looks similar to his theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue, London!
The consulting engineer for the superstructure built on piers was Thomas Garland. Carved wooden figures on either side of the proscenium were by Lawrence Campbell, RHA.
Architect of the Park Cinemas was Thomas Robert Eager.
Architect Thomas McLean also made some alterations in 1935.
Prior to demolition for the new Picturedrome on the site, additions were made to the cinema in 1928, alterations in 1930, and finally, reconstruction after a fire, with a shelter for waiting patrons, all done by the architect Robert Sharpe Hill. The reconstruction that followed in 1934 were to the plans of John McBride Neill in a superb art-deco style.
The plans by the architect John McBride Neill were for John Gaston, who sold the cinema to Union Cinemas circuit.
The same year that the plans were submitted by John McBride Neill (1935) coincides with another plan submitted by architect Thomas H. Guthrie, at the same location - Holywood Road and Pim’s Avenue, however, Guthrie’s plans weren’t built. Was the site originally an independent’s site sold to Union Cinemas? Or were the plans of Guthrie amended by Neill and built?
Architect for the conversion from retail premises to a cinema was William Moore, these plans were submitted in 1911. Extensive premises of C. Millar & Co., house furnishers, being converted into cinema by Mr Alex Murdoch, Cullingree Rd. Further alterations were carried out to the plans of John MacGeagh in 1930, by then called the Lyric Cinema. John MacGeagh also made further changes in 1932, the removal of side balcony in High Street.
A second architect is noted for this change of use to cinema use. I’m guessing that he was the ‘on site’ architect perhaps, with Bertie Crewe remaining in London mainly? Architect of this cinema was Samuel Stevenson. New cinema. Tenders invited, Aug 1922; ‘nearing completion’, Aug 1923. Contractor: Robert Gilchrist. A ‘colonnaded four-story building with semi-circular corner entrance, whose manager and thirty-piece orchestra changed into evening dress after 5 o'clock each day’ (Patton)
Architect was John McBride Neill. In answer to JohnGn’s question, the last Gaumont to be re-branded to Odeon was the former Gaumont Palace in Doncaster, Yorkshire. This didn’t happen until as late as 1987.
The contractor noted as having built the cinema is John Curran.
Architect was Frederick Turner Waddington. The canopy was added in 1938 to the plans of Tulloch & Fitzsimmons.
Architect was Thomas McLean for this venue. Plans were drawn up starting in 1934, being adjusted slightly and approved in 1935.
To add to my above comments, also in 1937, a further cinema to the designs of architect Thomas Robert Eager are also listed in the above mentioned directory, however, only the road name is mentioned, no cinema name, so this could be a further plan for this site, or another along the Crumlin Road. Further work is needed to sort these out I fear!
Architect was William Moore.
Plans for the Forum were submitted to the planners in 1936 by architect Robert Sharpe Hill, but were these the ones actually built? A further set of plans for the Forum Cinema were submitted by architect John McBride Neill early in 1937 for a cinema and a shop. Neill’s work has been noted as being built in the ‘Dictionary of Irish Architects 1720 - 1940’ online, whereas the line noting Hill’s work is left blank, indicating that it was not built at all….
Built for Savoy Picture House Ltd.
Alterations to the plans of James Corden Stevenson were carried out in 1925.
Architect for this cinema was Thomas H. Guthrie. Alterations, to the plans of John McBride Neill were carried out in 1937.
To help Joe, and Ken, the Theatre Royal wasn’t completely demolished, but instead, remodelled into the Royal Cinema. The architect for this work was Bertie Crewe, he submitted plans for the remodelling of the TR in 1915. The design was similar to that used in London a few years earlier.
Architect was William Moore.
Plans deposited in 1915 show this as being a conversion of the Theatre Royal, rather than demolition and a new build, also, the architect is given as being Bertie Crewe, so little wonder it looks similar to his theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue, London!
Architect was Thomas McLean.
Architect was John McBride Neill.
Another fine cinema by John McBride Neill, it was originally planned to open as the Ritz Cinema.
The consulting engineer for the superstructure built on piers was Thomas Garland. Carved wooden figures on either side of the proscenium were by Lawrence Campbell, RHA.
Built and opened 1946, the architect was Owen Doyle. Builders were M. Duffy & Son.