Remodelling of the Grand Theatre and Hippodrome. Leigh

The eagerly awaited official opening of the New Hippodrome takes place to-morrow (Saturday). Since it was closed for extensive alterations some months ago, an army of workmen have been busily engaged, and have wrought an amazing transformation. Great interest has been taken in the work. The hall has been completely re-decorated; the former Edwardian decorative plasterwork has been replaced with a contemporary fluted design that gives a very modern and elegant effect, magnificent carpets cover circle and stalls. A new seating arrangement as found in the most recent purpose-built houses has been installed, and in the balcony the wooden seating has been replaced with tip up seats. 

The lighting also is very effective, decorative units being placed around the front of the circle to great effect. In the centre of the domed roof of the auditorium is fixed a twelve mantle gas lantern, which besides being an emergency light acts as a powerful ventilator. The auditorium will create an expression of awe to all who enter. 

The front elevation of the Hippodrome will always be modern, but the facing of blue vitriolite and the addition of a new artistic canopy, the lighting of which throws a brilliant illumination on the entrance, makes this elevation ultra-modern. The entrance hall and foyers, in part due to the removal of two former shops, are spacious yet inviting, and have been designed to create an atmosphere of luxurious comfort for all who enter. [Leigh Journal Friday, 4 August 1939]

Reference           Leigh Journal Friday, 4 August 1939