Empire

Built by the photographer S. Lees, it opened as a theatre with balcony above shops. In 1896 W Rennison’s submitted plans show an auditorium consisting of a simple horseshoe tier supported by columns. It was converted to cinema in 1907 and altered in 1913 - it is this interior with stage and balcony which may be seen today. Cinema ceased in 1929 owing to licensing difficulties, since which time it has seen various club/restaurant uses. The building retains its altered 3-bay façade and two shops below, but the area will be redeveloped in the near future (2004).