The restoration of a derelict Grade II listed cinema in Hull is now underway.
The National Picture Theatre on Beverley Road, which still bears the scars of a World War Two bombing raid, will be given a new lease of life.
The cinema was the “last surviving civilian bomb-damaged building” from the period and was granted Grade II listed status in 2007, due to its significance.
With 1,050 seats and balcony, the cinema was long and narrow and opened on 23 December 1914.
Local contractor, Hobson and Porter are undertaking the restoration of the site, thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Hull City Council and the National Civilian World War II Memorial Trust (NCWW2MT).
Works to preserve the site for future generations include the replacement of period windows, stabilisation and restoration of the red brick façade and new lighting.
The open space where the auditorium once stood will be used to create a flexible education and community events area and war memorial, enabling visitors to learn about the life of civilians in the Second World War.
The project has been long campaigned for by the National Civilian World War II Memorial Trust (NCWW2MT), who are passionate about sharing the impact the Second World War had on civilians in Hull, and how this site reflects just how much Britain’s second most bombed city in the UK was affected.
Councillor Rob Pritchard, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure, said: “I am delighted to see work starting on site. Once complete it will, for the first time since it was destroyed in World War II, enable visitors to access the building safely.
“There are so many stories within the National Picture Theatre that are of national importance, and to have the opportunity to give it the attention it deserves is fantastic.
“I would like to thank The National Lottery Heritage Fund for recognising the significance of this project and the local community for their continued support now and going forward.
“I am looking forward to seeing the restoration progress.”
Hobson and Porter’s Managing Director, Richard Hunter, said: “Having been based in Hull since 1971, we have seen the cinema sadly fall into a sorry state and feel hugely proud to have been chosen to restore such a significant, historic landmark in the city.
“In recent years we are proud to have worked with Hull City Council on a number of heritage projects in the city including the recommissioning of the iconic Guildhall time ball, the refurbishment of Beverley Road baths and the repurposing of the former city archives at 79 Lowgate.”
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It’s very exciting to see work on the National Picture Theatre get underway. This project will not only restore and preserve the heritage building for future generations, it will also connect visitors from near and far with its unique story.
“We’re very proud that, thanks to National Lottery players, the Heritage Fund is able to support multiple projects in Hull that, like this one, are contributing to the city’s ongoing, heritage-led, cultural renaissance.”
The cinema, which was designed by architects Runton and Barry for the De-Luxe Theatre Company and built in 1914, was badly damaged during a Luftwaffe air raid on 18 March 1941. At the time, more than 150 people were inside, but no-one was killed or seriously injured.
Hull was one of the worst-affected cities in the country during the Blitz and had to face air raids for longer than any other place in Britain.
Once restoration is complete, the history of the cinema will be told and become an educational facility and a place to remember loved ones. The restoration programme is expected to take around five months to complete.
