Grade II-listed cinema one of UK’s last surviving buildings damaged by bombs during the Second World War
Restoration work at Hull’s grade II-listed National Picture Theatre has completed following design work by Conception Architects.
The cinema, one of the UK’s last surviving bomb-damaged buildings from the Second World War, has been restored using original materials and traditional construction techniques to reflect its original 1914 design.
The project has preserved the building’s red brick façade while converting the former auditorium into a flexible space for education, community events and memorial activities.
The cinema was mostly destroyed by a bombing raid on the night of 18 March 1941 during a showing of Charli Chaplin’s Great Dictactor. The site remained unoccupied and the ruin was eventually listed in 2007.
The scheme’s Yorkshire-based contractor Hobson & Porter sourced decorative bricks from Scotland and reclaimed bricks from a demolished building of similar age.
More than 150 subcontractors worked on the scheme with work including the creation of bespoke windowsills, stonework, tiling and roofing, along with an inspection by a bomb disposal squad following the discovery of anti aircraft cartridges.
Hobson & Porter site manager Aaron Wilson said every element of the project had been “approached with precision to ensure our work reflects the building’s original character, whilst also meeting modern safety and conservation standards”.
Councillor Jackie Dad, deputy leader of Hull city council, said the theatre “now stands as a meticulously restored landmark, showcasing Hull’s resilience during the Blitz.”
The project has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Hull city council, The UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the National Civilian World War II Memorial Trust. Structural engineer on the scheme was Mason Clark Associates.
1 Readers' comment