Alterations: Savoy Cinema Ashfield Road Sale

SALE - A contract for the proposed alterations to the Savoy Cinema at Sale for the managers to plans by Robert J McBeath and Sons F/ARIBA, Birnam House, Sale, has been awarded to Messrs E B Jones and Rawlinson Limited, of Manchester. [Builder 31 January 1930 Page 275]

Savoy Cinema-de-Luxe opened in 1913 with seating for 700. Demolished 1928 and rebuilt as the New Savoy Cinema and Café, opened 1 August 1929 with seating for 1,300. Entrance hall and stairs in white terrazzo, blue and gold carpets. The auditorium was panelled in mahogany with Wedgewood blue proscenium curtains. There was a small café but none of the other features of the super cinemas of the 1930s. Pretty corner elevation with vaguely Arts and Crafts elements, wide overhanging eaves, steeply tiled roof and dormer windows.  Taken over by the Union circuit in July 1936 and by Associated British Cinemas in October 1937. Re-named ABC about 1963. In July 1973 it was converted to a luxury 580 seat cinema in the stalls but failed to increase patronage and it closed on 2 March 1974. Attempts to reopen it by an independent operator failed and the building was demolished in 1985.

Reference           Builder 31 January 1930 Page 275