The cinema building opened on this site in 1930 and was named the New Victoria Cinema. It was built for and operated by Provincial Cinematograph Theatres(PCT) and Gaumont British Theatres chain. Upon opening it was one of the largest cinemas in the UK and was designed by architect William Illingworth in an Italian Renaissance style.
Due to the size of the theatre, the stage area was often used for live shows and concerts. The cinema was renamed Gaumont in 1950 but closed for alterations in 1968, where the large space was split into a two screened cinema and a bingo hall. The new complex opened in 1969 and was renamed the Odeon. In 1987 a third cinema screen was added.
By 2000, both the Bingo Hall and the cinemas had closed. For a number of years the derelict building’s future remained uncertain. In 2012 the local council purchased the building and begun work transforming the building into “Bradford Live” an arts and culture centre, due to open in 2022.
This is part of the Series: NWC01/01 Norman Walley: Series of slides; within the Collection: NWC01 Norman Walley Cinema Collection
© Historic England Archive
Architect: Illingworth, William
Photographer: Walley, Norman
20th Century Cinema, 20th Century Bingo Hall, Leisure And Recreation
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