Amazing memorabilia unearthed at former Cinema due for redevelopment
Castle Cinema, up until recently has been home to Laserzone – a live action laser game played with special effects, fog, laserbeams and pulse pumping music.
After Laserzone’s relocation to the city centre’s former Iceland store, the building has been cleared revealing evidence if its earlier life as a cinema.
Built in 1913, Castle Cinema was the only building left standing after the blitz during the Nazi’s bombing raids in World War II.
The building was modernised in 1963, however it’s long decline started in the 1970s when it became notorious for showing soft core porn films.
It had a short-lived new lease of life in 1982. The acquisition of Cardiff-based Circle Cinema saw it show Hollywood blockbusters once again.
The cinema’s days were numbered once the neighbouring UCI cinema, now Odeon, in Parc Tawe opened in 1988. The last film shown was “Doc Hollywood” with Michael J Fox in 1991.
Workers have since discovered a treasure trove of cinema memorabilia in the now-empty building, including film posters, cinema equipment and even the old loveseat!
Castle Cinema Memorabilia
(Images: Swansea Council)Led by local non-profit housing association Beacon Cymru, formally known as Coastal Housing, work will soon start to give the building a new future.
In partnership with contractors Easy Living Ltd, plans include 30 new apartments and two separate areas for commercial use.
The lower part of the building that fronts on to the Strand is intended to accommodate small scale office use and – in the main elevation facing Worcester Place and the castle – a new commercial unit over two storeys is being created that anticipates a café/restaurant type use.
A new glazed box is proposed that will form part of this unit and front onto the castle and open space.
The scheme is being supported by Swansea Council via Welsh Government funding.
Artist’s impression of what Castle Cinema will look like once redeveloped
(Images: Beacon Cymru)Developers say the scheme has been sensitively designed in recognition of its architectural and historic importance, and aims to preserve as many of the original features as possible, while identifying sustainable uses that will ensure its long-term preservation as a key building in the city.
The council say they will also soon be starting work to revamp the nearby Castle Square into a greener and more welcoming space.
Do you remember watching films at Castle Cinema? Let us know below!
(Lead image: Swansea Council)
#BeaconCymru #CastleCinema #CastleSquare #CastleSquareGardens #CastleStreet #CoastalHousing #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil
Daron Brewood 🇬🇧
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