FOR years it was the focal point for entertainment on an east Hull estate.

Now, the site of the former Berkeley Cinema in Greenwich Avenue, Bilton Grange, has been transformed thanks to the development of a £4.5m residential care complex.

Last used as a bingo hall, the derelict cinema building, along with an empty shop unit and a row of garages, was demolished last year to make way for the new scheme.

Yesterday, the 84-bedroom Berkeley House complex, operated by Gateshead-based Hadrian Healthcare, was officially opened, taking its name from the old cinema.

Ward Councillor John Black, who helped perform the official opening ceremony, said: "It's good to see the site back in community use.

"I am sure many of the residents who move in will have fond memories of the old cinema and bingo hall.

"The site has been a problem for a number of years.

"Even though we are operating in challenging economic times, Hadrian Healthcare has pressed ahead to provide attractive accommodation for our senior and more vulnerable citizens as well as creating much-needed employment and overall regeneration in the area."

The new complex has created about 70 full and part-time jobs and is the company's first development in East Yorkshire after spending the past 16 years operating similar residential and nursing schemes in the north-east.

Jas Gill, commercial director of Hadrian Healthcare, said: "Berkeley House not only provides spacious and comfortable living accommodation, but also features a hair salon, tea room, music and activity rooms and an Internet corner for residents."

The cinema was originally opened in 1956 when the Bilton Grange estate was first being built.

It was part of a chain of cinemas in the city owned by Hull entrepreneur Brinley Evans.

The venue was converted into a bingo hall in the 1970s.