Castle Cinema, Strand, Swansea SA1 3PP

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Cinema

2026: "The Castle Cinema is a former cinema building located adjacent to the grounds of Swansea Castle in Swansea, south Wales. According to Kinematograph year book of 1914 the Castle opened in October 1913.

It was the only building left standing in Swansea's Castle Street vicinity after the Nazi German Luftwaffe bombing raids during the Second World War. It is a grade II listed structure.[1]

In 1963 the Castle Cinema changed its manager (Mr. Harry Williams who had previously managed The Plaza on Swansea's Kingsway. Mr Williams retired in October 1981, aged 79). The cinema required complete refurbishment. New wall coverings and screen tabs were installed along with a cinemascope screen. Two hundred seats were removed from the back of the stalls to create a foyer which meant the small circle had no overhang. Double seats (kissing seats) formed the last few rows of the stalls.

During the 1970s the cinema showed a number of soft core porn films. By the end of the 1970s Swansea had only two other cinemas (the ODEON on The Kingsway and a small independent operating in a chapel). In 1982 the lease of the Castle was acquired by Circle Cinemas of Cardiff who renamed it the FILMCENTA and installed new projection equipment and Dolby Stereo and started to exhibit popular mainstream blockbusters. The cinema showed films that had not been secured by the Rank Organisation for its Odeon Chain. This was known as the ABC release stream. The local city council banned Monty Python's Life of Brian from being shown.

Circa 1988 UCI opened a 10 screen multiplex in the town next door to the Filmcenta. This meant that it no longer showed a film exclusively and its audience chose to go to the multiplex with its modern facilities. The Filmcenta remained open for nearly two more years before eventually closing. The last film shown was "Doc Hollywood" with Michael J Fox.

The building was converted to use as a laser gun combat-game and assault course called the Lazerzone.[2] "

https://beacon.cymru/our-developments-and-regeneration/town-and-city-centre-placemaking/castle-cinema/

2026: "The scheme proposal is for the restoration and conversion of the former Castle Cinema in Swansea city centre to provide 30 affordable homes and new commercial units. The property is a Grade II listed building immediately north of Swansea Castle. It is also located within a designated conservation area. The scheme has therefore been sensitively designed in recognition of its architectural and historic importance.

For all those film buffs, the showing of moving or animated pictures was started by the Lumiere brothers in Paris in 1895 and was quickly followed in Britain the following year. This gave rise to travelling and temporary facilities, including the adaptation of shops in the early 1900s. The Kings Hall in Tooting, London, opened in 1909 is thought to be the first purpose-built cinema in Britain and following the Cinematograph Act of that year a large number began to be built. Between 1910 and 1914 it is estimated that approximately 3,500 cinemas were opened, including Castle Cinema.

The scheme aims to preserve as many of the original features as possible, whilst identifying sustainable uses that will ensure its long-term preservation as a key building in the city."

+ https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/gallery/pictures-show-state-historic-listed-31507538

Address

Castle Cinema, Strand, Swansea SA1 3PP 

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Website

https://beacon.cymru/our-developments-and-regeneration/town-and-city-centre-placemaking/castle-cinema/

https://swansea.gov.uk/CastleCinema?lang=en

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/gallery/pictures-show-state-historic-listed-31507538

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