Market Pavilion Cinema

Located in Blyth, Northumberland. The Blyth Market Pavilion Cinema is built on the site of the town’s former Central Cinema in the Market Place. It’s a thoughtfully designed venue that blends contemporary architecture with clear nods to the site’s cinematic and cultural past.

The Market Pavilion Cinema houses a three-screen cinema, located on the upper floor of the building. The screens are compact but well-equipped, and the whole layout makes good use of the space. On the ground floor, there’s a bar/café, a large studio, and a range of flexible rooms for meetings and performances – creating a genuinely multi-purpose arts venue.

The building is the work of architectural firm FaulknerBrowns, and it shows their characteristic attention to detail. The design is clean and approachable, with glazed sliding doors that open directly onto the Market Place, encouraging flow between indoor and outdoor activity.

The architectural references to the site’s heritage are subtle but effective. While it’s a modern structure, there’s a definite sense of continuity with the town’s cultural history. I’m not sure if it is deliberate, but the textured brickwork is reminiscent of the Wallaw just meters away. The surrounding public space has also been given attention, with new lighting, planting, and street furniture helping to lift the whole area.

The venue is being operated by Jam Jar Cinema in Whitley Bay. Their involvement suggests a strong focus on community engagement and programming. A soft launch began on August 1st 2025, screening: “Freakier Friday”, “Weapons” & “Fantastic Four: First Steps” showing in the evenings and “The Bad Guys 2” “The Naked Gun” & “Smurfs” screening at matinees. The grand opening is scheduled for August 23rd–24th, 2025 as part of the Blyth Celebrates weekend.

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