Armstrong Road, Rialto Cinema

Armstrong Road, Rialto Cinema

HER Number
12876
District
Newcastle
Site Name
Armstrong Road, Rialto Cinema
Place
Benwell
Map Sheet
NZ26SW
Class
Recreational
Site Type: Broad
Cinema
Site Type: Specific
Cinema
General Period
20TH CENTURY
Specific Period
Mid 20th Century 1933 to 1966
Form of Evidence
Demolished Building
Description
Opened 10 May 1937. It was opened by the Hinge circuit and was similar in design to their Ritz Cinema in Forest Hall. The architects were Percy L. Browne, Son and Harding. The faƧade of the building was in brick and coloured cement and had a tower and metal canopies. The entrance vestibule contained the paybox, then there was a foyer. The auditorium was decorated in red, beige and gold. There were 1026 seats. The proscenium arch was enhanced with decorative plasterwork. The Rialto closed on 25 June 1961 and became a bingo hall. It was demolished in July 1964 and the site is now occupied by a health centre.
Easting
420570
Northing
564090
Grid Reference
NZ420570564090
Sources
Frank Manders, 1991, Cinemas of Newcastle, pages 152-153; Frank Manders, 2005, Cinemas of Newcastle, pages 82-83, 116, 151, 161