I used to study down the road from here and have never once noticed this beautiful 1930's building, even though ive drunk next door a couple of times. So I feel honoured and lucky to of been invited to come along on a place that hasn't seen many visitors.
This building is full of asbestos. There are bags of it from the demo and white dust is constantly raining from the ceiling, so even though I had a form of breathing protection I was super quick. Literally one shot, move and hope for the best. Not great when most shots need Light Painting.
But at least I finally got on a Manchester Rooftop, even a short one
.
A Big thank you to a few boys from 28DL for organising this explore. @stranton and @Reich for scouting it out. @Coolboyslim for organising it and @ACID- REFLUX for the invite.
@The Man In Black and @GRONK
History
Originally built as a theatre by the Paramount Film Company of America in 1930, it was purchased by the Oscar Deutsch as part of the Odeon Theatres Ltd in 1939. The building was capable of seating 2,920 people on two levels and was designed to operate in the cine-variety era showing a mixture of films and live shows. The Piano lounge has hosted such talent as Bruce Forsyth amongst others.
The theatre was divided in 1973 to become a twin screen cinema, at which time the organ was removed. It gained a third screen in 1979, and four more screens were added in 1992 using the basement and stage areas; it opened as a seven-screen cinema on 8 May 1992.
In 1999 the building was considered for listed building status as part of a thematic survey of cinemas, however it was rejected as too many of the original features had been removed. When the cinema closed in 2004, the orchestra pit, stage, proscenium, ceiling and foyer areas were still partly intact (although hidden), and could be restored. It was thought to be the oldest cinema in Manchester's city centre.
This building is full of asbestos. There are bags of it from the demo and white dust is constantly raining from the ceiling, so even though I had a form of breathing protection I was super quick. Literally one shot, move and hope for the best. Not great when most shots need Light Painting.
But at least I finally got on a Manchester Rooftop, even a short one
A Big thank you to a few boys from 28DL for organising this explore. @stranton and @Reich for scouting it out. @Coolboyslim for organising it and @ACID- REFLUX for the invite.
@The Man In Black and @GRONK
History
Originally built as a theatre by the Paramount Film Company of America in 1930, it was purchased by the Oscar Deutsch as part of the Odeon Theatres Ltd in 1939. The building was capable of seating 2,920 people on two levels and was designed to operate in the cine-variety era showing a mixture of films and live shows. The Piano lounge has hosted such talent as Bruce Forsyth amongst others.
The theatre was divided in 1973 to become a twin screen cinema, at which time the organ was removed. It gained a third screen in 1979, and four more screens were added in 1992 using the basement and stage areas; it opened as a seven-screen cinema on 8 May 1992.
In 1999 the building was considered for listed building status as part of a thematic survey of cinemas, however it was rejected as too many of the original features had been removed. When the cinema closed in 2004, the orchestra pit, stage, proscenium, ceiling and foyer areas were still partly intact (although hidden), and could be restored. It was thought to be the oldest cinema in Manchester's city centre.
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