The current state of Gaiety Amusement Arcade -
The Grand Pavilion was built in 1896 as a theatre venue for seaside entertainment, skating and dances. The building was rather grand at the time with a large domed roof covered with fish scale like tiles and smaller domes either side of the entrance.
The original building can be seen back right of this old photo (Thanks to Truffle Pig for digging this one out!)
During the first world war the hall was used to assemble aircraft parts and following this the theatre became an amusement arcade, one of the first in the country.
The top of the dome was removed in the 80's and the arcade closed a few years ago. At the back of the site is a flat which was occupied by a caretaker, and below this various maintenance rooms. The caretaker's glass windowed living room overlooked the main arcade and was often used for after hours poker games. The front housed the main hall, a small cafe and dodgems.
Since the arcade closed the false ceiling has been removed revealing the stunning original ceiling. It'll probably be knocked down soon for flats, another piece of history gone.
Very old photo hidden in a wall cavity
Safe porn:
The Grand Pavilion was built in 1896 as a theatre venue for seaside entertainment, skating and dances. The building was rather grand at the time with a large domed roof covered with fish scale like tiles and smaller domes either side of the entrance.
The original building can be seen back right of this old photo (Thanks to Truffle Pig for digging this one out!)
During the first world war the hall was used to assemble aircraft parts and following this the theatre became an amusement arcade, one of the first in the country.
The top of the dome was removed in the 80's and the arcade closed a few years ago. At the back of the site is a flat which was occupied by a caretaker, and below this various maintenance rooms. The caretaker's glass windowed living room overlooked the main arcade and was often used for after hours poker games. The front housed the main hall, a small cafe and dodgems.
Since the arcade closed the false ceiling has been removed revealing the stunning original ceiling. It'll probably be knocked down soon for flats, another piece of history gone.
Very old photo hidden in a wall cavity
Safe porn:
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