Proposed Cinema-Theatre, Warren Street, Fleetwood
NEW SUPER-CINEMA - Fleetwood is shortly to have yet another cinema theatre. which, its promoters assert, will be one of the finest the North of England. The proposed new structure is to be situate on a site between the Ship Inn and the Crown Hotel, Warren-street, one of the best sites in the district. When completed, the cinema will undoubtedly be one of the cosiest and most luxurious imaginable. The entrance is to be spacious and attractive. Immediately on passing through the vestibule patrons will be able to purchase their tickets or book their seats and then pass into a huge crush-hall, having as its central decorative feature a large open fireplace. with hood and canopy over. At the rear of the crush room will be a large lounge, where prospective patrons can await the arrival of friends. From the crush-hall, a wide staircase, each of the seven steps being 20 feet wide will lead to the auditorium. On either side of the main entrance, separated from the other entrance by means of a balustrade, will be two flights of steps leading to the balcony.
The auditorium- has a seating capacity for 800, and in the balcony will be accommodation for a similar number, thus giving a total seating accommodation for 1,600 people. The seating of the house could have been greatly increased had the comfort of patrons not received that special attention which is an important point in the present-day cinemas. The knee-room between each row of seats is the same throughout the house, and greatly in excess of that provided in many theatres. Patrons will consequently not have a cramped and pinned.in feeling. Efficient gangways have been provided for in the plans, and it will be possible to empty a full house in less than three minutes. The stage itself and the ante-rooms with it have been so planned that the theatre could be run either as a cinema or a theatre. Exposed as it is on its three principal facades, sufficient and efficient exits are assured.
The architect is Mr. Halstead Best, M.I. Struct. E., P.A.S.I, 87, Church Street. Blackpool, who was the architect for the Blackpool Princess new theatre, the Blackpool Hippodrome alterations, and other
Theatres. The new company's capital of £25,000 is divided into 25,000 £1 shares. but it is not proposed to offer the shares for public subscription. Only 10,000 shares are now available for subscription, the other 15,000 being taken up by the directors and their friends. Persons interested are invited to communicate with Mr. Halstead Best. the architect, or Mr. J. M. Dickinson, solicitor. 46, Abingdon-street. Blackpool, stating the probable amount of their investment. It is proposed that the directorate of the new company shall consist of seven, and there are five vacancies. [Fleetwood Chronicle 18 May 1923 page 8]
The OS Map of 1932 gives no indication of a cinema erected on the site named