Film fans hope old Tower cinema can be restored to its former glory
FILM enthusiasts are calling for a buyer to come forward to transform an old cinema building to its former glory.
The Emporium nightclub, formerly the Tower cinema in Anlaby Road, west Hull, is up for sale.
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David Alexander, from the Cinema Theatre Association, on the steps of the Emporium nightclub, formerly the Tower, in Anlaby Road, Hull.
The Grade II Listed building is expected to sell for about £200,000.
Built in 1914, the building was one of the city’s earliest and most luxurious cinemas.
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The Cinema Theatre Association (CTA), which exists to promote interest in all aspects of cinema buildings, believes it has the potential to be returned to its former state.
David Alexander, of Bowes Walk, west Hull who is a member of the CTA, said he is hoping a buyer will come forward who will want to join their campaign.
He said: “There is a strong case for returning the building to cinema use.
“It needs putting back to the way it was.
“We need someone with a bit of money to buy it, then once it has been purchased the new owner can apply for lottery funding to help transform it back into a cinema.
“It would be very easy to turn it back into a cinema.
“All the internal plaster work is still there, as are the floors because the carpets were laid on top of the original floors.”
The CTA are also calling for the listing of the building to be upgraded so it can be protected further.
The association also believes the cinema could become home to Hull Screen.
John Holmes, 81, of St Nicholas Drive, Hornsea, worked at the cinema in the 1940s as a projectionist.
He said: “I remember working there well, it was a fantastic cinema.
“It would be lovely to have it back as a cinema.
“Many of the cinemas were lost in the war and others have been altered too much.
“If there is a possibility of returning it to its former state I would support it.”
The building is up for sale with Garness Jones.
It comes after its owner, Northern European Leisure, was taken to court by Hull City Council after the company removed the twin domes on the roof of the former Tower cinema.
The company was forced to reinstate the famous domes earlier this year.
Comments
by Matthew Blurton, Beverley
Friday, December 17 2010, 10:42AM
“Great idea. How about selling share at £5.00 each to raise the money to reopen the cinema. I am sure there would be enough support to make this happen.”
by Steve, Hull
Thursday, November 18 2010, 11:25AM
“It would be great to have an original cinema restored. It could be done so well, with a totally different approach to the main stream cinema chains. Original classics, world cinema, local film projects, Themed nights with hospitality.
Some narrow minded responses on this subject, nobody has mentioned Tax payers money being used, so stop the negativity. Whats the problem with Groups wanting to spend other peoples money?????? No different from major businesses with ideas but have to look for investors to fund it!”
by PC Plod, Queens Gardens nick
Wednesday, November 03 2010, 11:34PM
“After all the goings on in there, over the years, I don't think I could wallow amongst all those squalid memories. Smelly, sweaty bloody Tower...nice frontage and foyer, but knock it down and build a pound shop.
One of my most abiding memories from my childhood, is the men in raincoats on the back row....or was that the flea pit across the road?”
by Sam, Hull
Wednesday, November 03 2010, 8:17PM
“Wind your neck in a bit and read the article Fed Up. Nobody's even suggesting the council could, would or should buy it.”
by Steve, AR
Wednesday, November 03 2010, 6:42PM
“I liked the Tower and it has history. I remember being told a story, probably apocryphal, near on 50 years ago that a small child had been asked in class where the Bloody Tower was and the reply came back, opposite the Bloody Regent.
I wish the CTA well.”
by Fed up, Hull
Wednesday, November 03 2010, 6:09PM
“So who is going to pay for this to be done...? Council perhaps with tax payers money? The entire country is virtually bankrupt, so rather than spend money on building homes for people to live, improving council services, building and maintaining hospitals etc, no we want a old run down sh**h*le rebuilding so we can all watch a film with some popcorn. Hey maybe when your house is falling to bits or when the hospital closes down you can go there for shelter???”
by dave the rave, hull
Wednesday, November 03 2010, 6:06PM
“cinema?you must be joking. bring it back to the best nightclub in hull i say !!!!!”
by LittleErn, Hull
Wednesday, November 03 2010, 5:00PM
“@Justin, Swanland - What exactly is your point? Are you just a cynical curmudgeon?”
by Fred The Ted, Hull w/side
Wednesday, November 03 2010, 4:34PM
“Whats all the fuss about, it only needs the seats putting back in and a new screen, remember seeing ''rock arround the clock'' with Bill Haley and the Comets there when i was a young ted.”
by Justin, Swanland
Wednesday, November 03 2010, 3:33PM
“Rod Evans, given your confidence in this project am I correct in assuming that you will be applying for a business mortgage to buy the former nightclub(perhaps with your own home as a personal gaurantee)? No, didn't think so.”