Ritz Cinema, Barrow-in-Furness
The Ritz (later known as the ABC, Astra and Apollo) was a cinema located at the junction of Abbey Road and Holker Street in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England. The building was designed in a typical Art Deco-style by architect firm Drury & Gomersall and constructed in 1936 on a previously undeveloped site.[1] Between 1961 and 1977 it was known simply as the ABC; after ABC Cinemas who took over ownership of the premises in the mid-1930s. This changed to the Astra when the venue was bought by Hutchinson Leisure. In this period the cinema was completely refitted, adding two extra screens to the existing one.[1] The largest of the screens seated 640 while the smaller two seated 260 each.[1]
In the last part of its functioning life the cinema was named the Apollo after again being purchased; by Apollo Leisure. 1999 saw the completion of Hollywood Park in Barrow and a 6-screen multiplex by Apollo Leisure.[1] As a result, the redundant Apollo Cinema on Abbey Road closed down. Numerous proposals to conserve the building were presented, however a fire gutted the structure in the early 2000s scuppering any hope of redevelopment.[1] Ultimately demolished in 2003, the site is now occupied by Emlyn Hughes House, a four-storey landmark office building.
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Coordinates: 54°07′02″N 3°13′34″W / 54.1172°N 3.2262°W