A multi-disciplinary construction consultancy is set to breathe life into one of Britain’s oldest surviving purpose-built cinemas after it scooped a huge £653,000 lottery grant.
Colchester-based Daniel Connal Partnership will work with Ipswich-based Nicholas Jacob Architects to restore The Electric Palace cinema, Harwich, as part of an ambitious nine-month project.
The firm will start work on the development, which boasts a silent screen, original projection room and ornamental frontage, in June.
Daniel Connal Partnership, who have considerable experience working on successful heritage lottery projects, will act as quantity surveyors on this project.
Project lead Paul Coleman and associate at Daniel Connal Partnership, said: “Securing this level of funding is a major step forward in restoring the fabric of the building and breathing new life into the site.
“We are delighted to be involved in this exciting project, continuing our long relationship with NJ Architects, and helping to ensure the future of this landmark building in historic Harwich.”
Shaun Soanes, the architectural lead on the project, said: “This is a building of national significance in the history of cinema in the UK and we are thrilled to have been contracted to play such an important role in its preservation and restoration.
“This lottery grant will allow this important building to be preserved for generations to come.”
The Electric Palace cinema was built in 18 weeks at a cost of £1,500 and opened in 1911 with a screening of the black and white film Battle of Trafalgar and The Death of Nelson.
Designed by architect Harold Hooper and developed by Charles Thurston, a travelling showman, the venue, in Kings Quay Street, ran successfully for 45 years, closing only briefly in 1953 due to flooding.
It was shut in 1956 however and left derelict until it was ‘rediscovered’ in 1972.
Since then members of the Electric Palace Trust and volunteers have managed – and continue to work – to protect the building and this is recognised by the cinema’s status as a Grade II* listed building.
The venue was officially re-opened in 1981 and, thanks to a minor refurbishment in 1985, it now runs as a community cinema which shows films every weekend as well as special live and music events.
David Looser, chairman of the Electric Palace Trust said the lottery funding would allow the trustees to undertake essential conservation work to strengthen the ceiling of the building, redecorate the auditorium, refurbish the seats and toilets, replace electrical switchgear, enlarge the stage and enhance security.
“We’re delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to National Lottery players,” he said.
“This will enable us not only to do the work necessary to keep the Electric Palace operating for the foreseeable future but also to expand our range of activities.”
The palace trust announced the Heritage Lottery Fund grant this week, which follows £51,000 from the same fund last January.
But the trust’s own appeal to raise £60,000 towards the work needed is still ongoing.
Chris Strachan, Electric Palace Trust trustee, said: “There is an expectation we will provide our own funds that amount to 10 per cent of that sum.”
To donate to the trust’s appeal for funds, use sort code 40-19-43 and account number 81379224 and reference HEPT Roof Appeal.
