Empire Theatre of Varieties, Oldham

This building is in course of erection on the site formerly occupied by Retiro House, at the corner of Yorkshire Street and Waterloo Street. There are two entrances to the pit of the new structure, each 10 feet wide and two each 6 feet wide to the circle, all from Waterloo Street. In addition to these there are two exits to the pits, each 7 feet 6 inches wide, one into Woolacott Street and one into Retiro Street. All steps and passages to exits are of fireproof construction. There are three private boxes on either side of the proscenium opening. The box staircases also lead to the orchestra stalls, and from these staircases, and at the stage level, a means of access to the stage is provided for the use of the orchestra. The proscenium opening is to be provided with a fireproof asbestos curtain, and all the house will be covered by iron doors. The circle is carried on steel stanchions, girders and cantilevers. There will be seating accommodation in the pit stalls for close upon 2,000, and in the circle and boxes for about 600. At the back of the pit and under the footpath in Waterloo Street is a refreshment bar about 40 feet long and at either end of this are lavatories etc. Both the pit floor and the circle are made with a fall towards the stage. All round the back of the circle is a promenade about 7 feet 6 inches wide, and behind this again, divided from the auditorium by an arcade are refreshment bars, cloak rooms lavatories etc for both ladies and gentlemen. The refreshment bars are raised four steps above the level of the promenade floor so that a view of the stage can be obtained through the arcade. A store-room is provided beneath each bar. The board room will be placed in the central tower, and access thereto will be obtained by means of a staircase leading from the larger bar in the circle. The electric light will be adapted throughout and in addition a large sun burner will be provided. The front elevation is of rough brick covered with cement, relieved with moulded cornices, strings and architraves. There will be a glazed verandah along the whole of the front, with ornamental pediment in the centre, glazed with leaded lights. This verandah will be supported on wrought iron cantilevers. The stage is at the Retiro Street end. On either side will be artistes' dressing rooms, each room being supplied with a lavatory, with hot and cold running water. There will be two staircases on each side for access to these rooms. The manager's office is situated over the boxes on the prompt side and will be connected by means of telephones with every part of the house. The building will be heated by hot water. The work is being carried out from the design and under the superintendence of Mr Sidney Stott, architect, Oldham. [Builder 29 May 1897 page 490].

Reference           Builder 29 May 1897 page 490