Empire Cinema
EMPIRE CINEMA, BLACKFRIARS ROAD
Listed on the National Heritage List for England. Search over 400,000 listed places
Overview
- Heritage Category:
- Listed Building
- Grade:
- II*
- List Entry Number:
- 1125906
- Date first listed:
- 31-Oct-1983
- List Entry Name:
- Empire Cinema
- Statutory Address:
- EMPIRE CINEMA, BLACKFRIARS ROAD
Location
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Images of England Project
- Date:
- 2005-04-21
- Reference:
- IOE01/13952/13
- Rights:
- © Mr Peter D. Dewar. Source: Historic England Archive
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Discover moreOfficial list entry
- Heritage Category:
- Listed Building
- Grade:
- II*
- List Entry Number:
- 1125906
- Date first listed:
- 31-Oct-1983
- List Entry Name:
- Empire Cinema
- Statutory Address 1:
- EMPIRE CINEMA, BLACKFRIARS ROAD
The scope of legal protection for listed buildings
This List entry helps identify the building designated at this address for its special architectural or historic interest.
Unless the List entry states otherwise, it includes both the structure itself and any object or structure fixed to it (whether inside or outside) as well as any object or structure within the curtilage of the building.
For these purposes, to be included within the curtilage of the building, the object or structure must have formed part of the land since before 1st July 1948.
The scope of legal protection for listed buildings
This List entry helps identify the building designated at this address for its special architectural or historic interest.
Unless the List entry states otherwise, it includes both the structure itself and any object or structure fixed to it (whether inside or outside) as well as any object or structure within the curtilage of the building.
For these purposes, to be included within the curtilage of the building, the object or structure must have formed part of the land since before 1st July 1948.
Location
- Statutory Address:
- EMPIRE CINEMA, BLACKFRIARS ROAD
The building or site itself may lie within the boundary of more than one authority.
- County:
- Cambridgeshire
- District:
- Fenland (District Authority)
- Parish:
- Wisbech
- National Grid Reference:
- TF 46328 09744
Details
WISBECH
1113/6/5 BLACKFRIARS ROAD
31-OCT-83 (North side)
Empire Cinema
II*
Cinema. 1932. By Ward and Woolnough. Common brick and reconstituted Ketton stone. Jazz-Modern style. Stepped facade with strong horizontal lines emphasised by parapet and street canopy. Geometric patterned metal windows rising through two storeys of central bays with corner window to west. Main entrance, approached by steps, has original glass doors with sunburst patterned glazing bars. Canted 2-storey bay above surmounted by decorative feature and tall finial.
INTERIOR. The complete, specially designed, decoration and fittings include, in the circulation areas, some doorways with polygonal heads and part-glazed doors with opal glass and sunburst wood inlay. First-floor cafe has wood inlaid bar front, counter and doors. Rhythm moulded ceiling cornices. Original light fittings here and elsewhere. Main auditorium has a wealth of striking decoration including bold proscenium arch, side entrance features, boxes, circle front, sound grilles and ceiling enrichments.
A very complete and richly decorated cinema in an exceptionally unusual style for the provinces.
Empire Theatre Wisbech Pamphlet, 1982.
Listing NGR: TF4632809744
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
- Legacy System number:
- 48201
- Legacy System:
- LBS
Sources
Other
Empire Theatre Wisbech Pamphlet, (1982)
Legal
This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended for its special architectural or historic interest.
Map
This map is for quick reference purposes only and may not be to scale. This copy shows the entry on 27-Jun-2026 at 17:12:12.
Download a full scale map (PDF)End of official list entry
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