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The Top Rank Bingo Club the former home of Splott cinema, Agate Street, Splott, Cardiff
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Memory Lane
The Top Rank Bingo Club the former home of Splott cinema, Agate Street, Splott, Cardiff
The Top Rank Bingo Club the former home of Splott cinema, Agate Street, Splott, Cardiff, pictured 4th November 1980.
The enormous Splott Cinema was advertised " over 2, 000 seats", all of which were on one floor. It had begun in 1913 as a smaller 750 seat cinema which had been extended and modified in the 1920s with a planned balcony which does not appear to have been completed. The arrival of sound brought about a major rebuild by local architect William Wort who worked on several of the Splott Circuit cinemas in the next few years. He had rebuilt the New Imperial Cinema in 1934 for Max Corne, and was then employed to plan the substantial works to convert it into an Odeon soon afterwards. The Splott Cinema proudly boasted that it was the first cinema to be built for " talking picture" in Cardiff. Sadly, it was also one of the first to close for bingo when the game was legalised. Unlike many early bingo halls, the Splott was very successful and continued in business, albeit under several owners/names. It was closed in June 2009.
Splott Cinema Bingo Hall which was destroyed by fire yesterday 23rd February 2015
Western Mail and Echo
Mirrorpix
Cardiff
Wales
Media ID 21719359
© Mirrorpix
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This vintage print captures the grandeur of The Top Rank Bingo Club, formerly known as Splott cinema, located on Agate Street in Splott, Cardiff. Taken on November 4th, 1980, the image showcases the impressive size of this iconic establishment. Originally built in 1913 as a smaller cinema with 750 seats, it underwent extensive modifications and expansions in the 1920s to accommodate over 2,000 seats all on one floor. Architect William Wort played a significant role in redesigning the cinema during the sound era. He was responsible for several other cinemas within the Splott Circuit and had previously rebuilt New Imperial Cinema before transforming it into an Odeon theater. The Splott Cinema proudly claimed to be Cardiff's first purpose-built venue for "talking pictures". Although sadly becoming one of the first cinemas to close due to bingo's legalization, unlike many others at that time, Splott Cinema Bingo Hall thrived under various owners and names throughout its existence. It remained a popular destination until its closure in June 2009. Tragically, this historic building met its demise when it was destroyed by fire on February 23rd, 2015. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of both its former glory and eventual fate. Preserved by Mirrorpix from Memory Lane Prints collection, this image allows us to reflect upon an important chapter in Cardiff's entertainment history while cherishing memories made within those walls.
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