Central Cinema
21 Hobson Street,
Cambridge,
CB1 1NW
21 Hobson Street,
Cambridge,
CB1 1NW
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: Associated British Cinemas Ltd., Star Cinemas, Union Cinema Co. Ltd.
Architects: George P. Banyard
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Located in the narrow Hobson Street. The Central Cinema was first opened as a single level, 525-seat cinema on 27th August 1921. In July 1923, it was closed to be enlarged to 778-seats, reopening on 11th October 1923. The ‘old’ Central Cinema was closed at the end of May 1930, and was demolished.
On the site was built a ‘new’ Central Cinema, which had seating for 1,069 in stalls and circle. The facade was covered with white tiles, and in a central position on top of the facade was a large globe. The decorative treatment was in a mix of Egyptian and Art Deco styles. The proscenium was 25 feet wide. The Central Cinema opened on 11th October 1930 with Harold Lloyd in “Welcome Danger”.
In December 1934, the Central Cinema was taken over by the Union Cinemas chain. They in turn were taken over by Associated British Cinemas(ABC) in 1938. The Central Cinema was badly damaged by a fire on 25th April 1939, which resulted in the collapse of the roof. ABC began work immediately to rebuild the cinema, but things slowed down at the outbreak of World War II. Work had progressed so far, as a new roof had been installed, that they were allowed to continue, and the Central Cinema re-opened on 11th November 1940.
The Central Cinema was closed by ABC in January 1972. It was purchased by the Star Cinemas chain and was converted into a Star Bingo Club. Later a Coral Bingo Club, it last operated as a Gala Bingo Club, which was closed in May 2009, a victim of the recently introduced Government ban on smoking in public places.
The building was boarded up. In July 2011, it was purchased by the Jam House, and after refurbishment was completed it planned to re-open as a concert venue, catering to an older audience. It never happened and was closed and ‘For Sale’ by September 2012. In summer of 2024 it was announced a proposal was made for it to be demolished.
Contributed by
Ken Roe
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Recent comments (view all 2 comments)
Two shots of the exterior from 2016 here (closed and “for sale”):–
DETAIL OF FAIENCE
FACADE
Still there in September 2024 and Cambridge City Council planning portal still says application to demolish (but keep façade) is “Awaiting decision”. There is a BBC article 17 June 2024 with photos including the from pre-cinema 1900 when it was Cambridge Automobile Company and it’s bingo days: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crgg111l893o