Empire Cinema, Wood Street, Heywood

Built to replace the Pavilion Cinema, the site of which was required by Heywood Borough Council; the site selected for the new building being on Wood Street, off Church Street.  The Bioscope Magazine, of 23 January, 1912, reported that: “a new public company was to be launched for the purpose of taking over the existing cinematographic business, which is now and for the past three years (has been) carried on by Messrs. Wright and Sydney at Heywood, Lancs. Otherwise the intention is (to buy) a plot of land in Church Street, Heywood, for a term of 999 years and to erect thereon a Cinematograph Theatre, which Messrs. Mayor of Manchester, architects, estimate can be fully equipped for £3,000. The Heywood Pavilion Cinematographic Co. Ltd., was registered on 15th February 1912, with a capital of £5,000. 700 seats – KW Year Book 1931

Opened            14 November 1912 [Heywood Advertiser 15 November 1912 page 5]

Reference        The Bioscope Magazine, 23 January, 1912
Reference        Kinematograph Weekly 15 February 1912 page 25 and 27 including abridged prospectus
Reference        Heywood Advertiser 15 November 1912 page 5  - opening