I return to this page, cap in hand and full of apologies. Having obtained a copy of the mentioned book I followed this up. The source of Trafford Library has me apologizing to Ken Roe and Brian Hornsby, I was incorrect, it was a rink before it became a cinema.
Divad
Sad to say that the deal with the Lottery money fell apart. The Curzon closes on September 5th 2008. They have a couple of offers for the place but nothing confirmed.
From what I have been told the money is to be spent on the cinema itself. Due to a lot of local publicity the number of people visiting the cinema has increased but it created an increase in the complaints about the condition of the building. With brand new opposition from Trafford cinemas, the factor of general comfort becomes a priority on the list. The quality of the films shown is high but if the place is grubby patrons will avoid it. Now it is hoped the repairs will correct this.
Thank you Ken, I feel comfortable with that now. I would like to have heard from the author but I guess we will have to wait and see. He may have knowledge unknown to us all.
This is from Trafford Local Studies;
“The Empress opened as a silent film cinema in c1929 with 900 seats. It was enlarged and reopened on 5 August 1935 with 1,228 seats. The architects were Drury and Gomersall. It was taken over by Union Cinemas on 29th June 1936, then by ABC in October 1937. It closed on 11th October 1958. Demolished 1962."
No rink. Another source was the local historian Alan Crossland, no rink.
We are all of the opinion that Brian is referring to another landmark which was the Billiard Hall around the corner from the Empress. This was converted into a roller rink at one time.
I have now confirmed the architects name, it was Percy Hothersall.
An interesting side to this cinema was that on opening night the full house takings were donated to the Cottage Memorial Hospital which was its neighbour.
It is repeatedly suggested that this cinema is not doing too well. Local websites suggest that the lease is up for sale. The building requires much in the way of maintenance and declining patronage is make life difficult all round. Any interest to alleviate this would be welcomed.
Having questioned this picture on several occasions I am assured it is correct. The odd angle from where it was taken creates an incorrect idea of where it used to stand. The large building on the left is still there as a part of the Urmston Market, the Palace is way in the background.
I am familiar with the ad and photo shown, I question the opening date and the roller rink statement. My documents show a 1921 beginning but as a cinema.
The description given for the origin of this cinema would have to be questioned. My source shows no such thing regarding a roller rink and I believe there must be some confusion about this particular Empress.
The Curzon was built by Ernest Nash-Eaton. He was responsible for around a dozen cinemas around Manchester for the period.
My quest is to find out, or confirm, that this cinema had a Theater Organ at one time.
I return to this page, cap in hand and full of apologies. Having obtained a copy of the mentioned book I followed this up. The source of Trafford Library has me apologizing to Ken Roe and Brian Hornsby, I was incorrect, it was a rink before it became a cinema.
Divad
Sad to say that the deal with the Lottery money fell apart. The Curzon closes on September 5th 2008. They have a couple of offers for the place but nothing confirmed.
From what I have been told the money is to be spent on the cinema itself. Due to a lot of local publicity the number of people visiting the cinema has increased but it created an increase in the complaints about the condition of the building. With brand new opposition from Trafford cinemas, the factor of general comfort becomes a priority on the list. The quality of the films shown is high but if the place is grubby patrons will avoid it. Now it is hoped the repairs will correct this.
The Curzon has just been granted lottery funds to aid its preservation. As this is the last cinema of three in the district, it comes as great news.
Thank you Ken, I feel comfortable with that now. I would like to have heard from the author but I guess we will have to wait and see. He may have knowledge unknown to us all.
This is from Trafford Local Studies;
“The Empress opened as a silent film cinema in c1929 with 900 seats. It was enlarged and reopened on 5 August 1935 with 1,228 seats. The architects were Drury and Gomersall. It was taken over by Union Cinemas on 29th June 1936, then by ABC in October 1937. It closed on 11th October 1958. Demolished 1962."
No rink. Another source was the local historian Alan Crossland, no rink.
We are all of the opinion that Brian is referring to another landmark which was the Billiard Hall around the corner from the Empress. This was converted into a roller rink at one time.
I have now confirmed the architects name, it was Percy Hothersall.
An interesting side to this cinema was that on opening night the full house takings were donated to the Cottage Memorial Hospital which was its neighbour.
It is repeatedly suggested that this cinema is not doing too well. Local websites suggest that the lease is up for sale. The building requires much in the way of maintenance and declining patronage is make life difficult all round. Any interest to alleviate this would be welcomed.
Having questioned this picture on several occasions I am assured it is correct. The odd angle from where it was taken creates an incorrect idea of where it used to stand. The large building on the left is still there as a part of the Urmston Market, the Palace is way in the background.
I am familiar with the ad and photo shown, I question the opening date and the roller rink statement. My documents show a 1921 beginning but as a cinema.
My posting for this cinema did not supply the stage information credited to my name.
The description given for the origin of this cinema would have to be questioned. My source shows no such thing regarding a roller rink and I believe there must be some confusion about this particular Empress.
The Curzon was built by Ernest Nash-Eaton. He was responsible for around a dozen cinemas around Manchester for the period.
My quest is to find out, or confirm, that this cinema had a Theater Organ at one time.