Tyneside Cinema Newcastle : Architecture Information

Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle 2009 Fletcher Priest Architects Photos : Sally Ann Norman Photography Newcastle's Tyneside Cinema, a long-established and much-loved institution, reopened its doors in May 2008 after a major refurbishment and modernisation project designed by Fletcher Priest Architects, with funding provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Tyne and Wear Partnership and the European Regional Development Fund. Additional funding came from trusts, foundations and many private supporters. As the only multi-screen, art house independent cinema between Leeds and Edinburgh over 350,000 people have used the building in the year since its reopening, and ticket sales have increased by 70%. The new layout and digital film production facilities enable the cinema to work with schools and colleges across the region and to support emerging filmmakers of all ages, assisting in the production, editing and screening of their work. Founded by Dixon Scott, the great uncle of film directors Sir Ridley and Tony Scott, the purpose-built newsreel cinema opened in 1937 and is the finest surviving example in Britain today. The major renovation restored the original auditorium, the Classic, and installed new armchair and sofa seating. Two further screens, the Electra and the Roxy, were added at roof level to avoid disturbing the original decorative interiors, with their highly distinctive oriental influences and patterned mosaics. These new screens are linked by a foyer bar and clad in translucent lightweight polycarbonate sheeting that is illuminated at night and visible from across the city. The second floor 'Coffee Rooms' have been in operation since the 1930s and are a local institution. Close to Newcastle's shopping area, they are a popular place to meet with a dedicated clientele. The new 'Digital Lounge' is designed to show locally produced digital film and experimental work and it also doubles as a space for educational events. In total, the four screens now provide seating for over 500 people. Tyneside Cinema swept the board at the North East Renaissance RICS Awards 2009, winning Project of the Year by 'excelling across all eight categories and above all other submissions.' The project has also won Building Conservation, Tourism & Leisure Awards. "Of all the practices we met, FPA gave us the best combination of design flair and a genuine appreciation of the transformation we were seeking to achieve to our core business". Mark Dobson, Chief Executive