The Abandoned Cresent Cinema in Pontefract opened 2nd November 1926 and operated until it closed in 1993. Originally the Cinema had a 2 tiered layout with room to accommodate 1190 customers but this was later scaled back to a single level auditorium in 1971 with a reduced capacity of 412 as people flocked to the larger multi-screen complex in nearby wakefield. In order to accommodate the change the projector was moved into a new box built inside the roof void and as a result, a mirror system had to be installed to project the film down to the screen on the floor below. The lower level was sectioned off to form a bingo hall originally and later leased as a snooker club while a large space on the first floor was used more recently as a venue for a dance club. The cinema itself remains unused and complete with most of its features including the screen in perfect condition, the original projectors and lenses and most the seats.
Visited over 3 trips with various people too many to name. It’s not often I get a decent explore not too far from where I live so I jumped on the opportunity to see this fine example of a preserved cinema while it was open. It has since been secured and the owners are currently debating the future of the theatre with some suggestions that it may actually be utilised as a cinema or theatre space once again! For now enjoy the photos:
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Few more photos and higher res copies of the ones above on my website: http://www.proj3ctm4yh3m.com/urbex/...efract-west-yorkshire-september-october-2015/
Visited over 3 trips with various people too many to name. It’s not often I get a decent explore not too far from where I live so I jumped on the opportunity to see this fine example of a preserved cinema while it was open. It has since been secured and the owners are currently debating the future of the theatre with some suggestions that it may actually be utilised as a cinema or theatre space once again! For now enjoy the photos:
1.
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Few more photos and higher res copies of the ones above on my website: http://www.proj3ctm4yh3m.com/urbex/...efract-west-yorkshire-september-october-2015/
