Aldershot Empire

The rear half of the former circle has ben partioned off and incorporated into a new function space.

There are hopes that a Compton organ can be re installed at the Empire. Sadly not the original Compton from this cinema. An organ has been identified and its owner is keen to get the project up and running as are the owners of the Empire. The pipework will be installed in the original pipe chambers above the stage. If you are interested in helping to achieve this, please contact me on here & I will respond accordingly. If you have carpentry and electrical skills and knowledge that would be an advantage. Hopefully a team of volunteers can be assembled. Many thanks in anticipation.

New photo uploaded of new facia signage. A Korean restaurant is now open in the original cafe/restaurant space on the first floor above the foyer. Excellent to see the Empire thriving in its new role.

3 new photos added 1. Original stage with decorative tabs and Compton organ in situ.Original decorative proscenium was altered to accommodate cinemascope in the mid 1950’s 2. Cafe/restaurant with original rattan furniture 3. Newly installed Victoria 8 projector 1971

4 new photos added of the newly reopened & renovated Empire. With new auditorium chandelier in place and testing of the newly installed digital projection system. Great to see new life being breathed into a fantastic early Art Deco cinema. Well-done to the new owners! This beautiful cinema could have been lost to the wreckers ball if the local council had got it’s way.

New photo added:original view all of the auditorium upon opening August 1930

Newspaper advert for the Empire added in photo section

The Windows in the side wall were never used. They were always totally blocked in and never had curtains.From inside the auditorium you would never have known there were large Windows.
The Windows only became used when taken over by the Kings Church.

Looks like the photo was taken soon after closure by Rank in 1983 as all the Odeon signage has been removed from the canopy and frontage. The auditorium side wall also had a red neon Odeon sign above the 4 large windows which was repeated on the other side that faced the Ritz/ABC/Cannon/ABC/Odeon next door. Thanks for posting it Len Gazzard :–)

More photos of the former Odeon from 1990 here:

Exterior:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5296330276/

Auditorium:-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5296330116/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stagedoor/5295734725/

The old Empire/Odeon needs your help to survive as it is under immediate threat of demolition.
Please see our campaign page for details:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/actionnetwork/G181

The Empire was opened on 1st August 1930. It was taken over by County Cinemas in about 1931. It was re-named Odeon from 18th January 1964 and closed on 17th October 1971.

Now called The Kings Centre, which is a Christian centre.