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Pavilion

2255

With the Shepherds Bush Empire, this large red brick building in restrained classical style dominates the green. A huge square tower with bold cornice rises at the south end. Here a large round-headed window is supported by pillars through which is the entrance. There are two pedimented windows at either side. Previously a cinema, later partially demolished to create a hotel. It had a large entrance foyer, originally decorated with Roman theme, and dominated by a bust of the Emperor Caracalla. The entrance to stalls lay to the right. Stairs lead to first floor level, originally with a tea lounge/dance hall, and to the original circle level. The style of the auditorium was, again, originally Roman. The Pavilion had full stage facilities, orchestra pit, and a large organ. From 1927, the building was under Gaumont ownership. A flying bomb severely damaged the stage and stalls areas in 1944; the organ was removed and the building was unused until 1955. Redesigned by Samuel Beverly, the proscenium was rebuilt for Cinemascope and the auditorium reduced in size by curving the walls towards the proscenium. The Pavilion was subdivided for bingo and cinema in 1969. The cinema closed in 1983. In 2009 planning permission was granted for conversion to a hotel, which involved demolishing part pf the building, although the facade remains. The hotel opened in 2014.

Built / Converted
1923
Dates of use
  • 1923 - 1944: Cinema
  • 1955 - 1983: Cinema
  • 1969 - 2001: Bingo
  • 2014 : Hotel
Current state
Extant
Current use
Converted to other use (Hotel)
Address
58 Shepherds Bush Green, London, Hammersmith & Fulham, W12 8QE, England
Further details
Other names
Gaumont , Odeon , Odeon Rank Club , Mecca Bingo , Dorsett Shepherds Bush
Events
  • 1923 Design/Construction:
    Frank Verity
    - Architect
  • 1923 Owner/Management: Davis
  • 1923 - 1944 Use: Cinema
  • 1927 Owner/Management: Gaumont British
  • 1955 Alteration: reconstructed after 1944 bomb damage; auditorium and proscenium redesigned for Cinemascope.
    S Beverly
    - Architect
  • 1955 - 1983 Use: Cinema
  • 1969 Owner/Management: Rank
  • 1969 Alteration: subdivided for bingo (architect unknown).
  • 1969 - 2001 Use: Bingo
  • 2014 Alteration: Partially demolished and converted to hotel
  • 2014 Use: Hotel
  • 2014 Owner/Management: Dorsett Hospitality International
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Original
    Description
    2776
  • Capacity
    Later
    Description
    1955: 2036
Listings
  • Listing
    II
Stage type
-
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: -
Proscenium width: -
Height to grid: -
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: -