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1981
This was Liverpool's only purpose-built
cinema which also incorporated a dance hall. It was built
on the site of a former livery stables, and is shown as such
on the 1095-08 map series. It was designed by Gray & Evans and
opened on 7th Oct 1927.
Shortly after opening it was taken
over by Gaumont-British, but it was never called the Gaumont.
The
cinema closed on 29th February 1964, but the ballroom continued
in use, and was also used for bingo.
The building was acquired
by the Corporation in 1968, as the site was to be part of the inner
ring road (which was never built).
It was leased to Swainbanks,
who used the cinema part as a second-hand furniture shop.
The
auditorium was still stepped, and the interior was a surreal sight
with a full audience of furniture watching a stage full of furniture.
Unfortunately
the building was a casualty of the 1981 riots and was completely
burnt out in a spectacular fire which resulted in the Rialto's demolition.
This photo was taken a week after the Riots.
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