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Empire Cinema

A Grade II* Listed Building in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire

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Coordinates

Latitude: 52.6657 / 52°39'56"N

Longitude: 0.1624 / 0°9'44"E

OS Eastings: 546328

OS Northings: 309744

OS Grid: TF463097

Mapcode National: GBR L1Q.ZV9

Mapcode Global: WHJPH.G8K8

Entry Name: Empire Cinema

Listing Date: 31 October 1983

Grade: II*

Source: Historic England

Source ID: 1125906

English Heritage Legacy ID: 48201

Location: Wisbech, Fenland, Cambridgeshire, PE13

County: Cambridgeshire

District: Fenland

Civil Parish: Wisbech

Built-Up Area: Wisbech

Traditional County: Cambridgeshire

Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Cambridgeshire

Church of England Parish: Wisbech St Peter and St Paul

Church of England Diocese: Ely

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Wisbech

Listing Text

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

This text is from the original listing, and may not necessarily reflect the current setting of the building.

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