Capitol Cinema, Duke Streer and North Road, St Helens

NEW ST. HELENS HOUSE - A new kinema at the junction of North Road and Duke Street, St. Helens, is to be built by Messrs. George Platt and Sons, contractors, of Westmoreland Street, Liverpool. A modern building to seat 1,600 persons is shown on the plans, which have been prepared by Messrs. Gray and Evans of May Buildings, 51, North John Street, Liverpool.

ST. HELENS' NEW PICTURE THEATRE - Below is a reproduction of the design of the exterior of the Capitol Picture Theatre, which is to be erected at the corner Of Duke Street and North Road, St. Helens. This hall will seat 1,535, of which 1,000 will be accommodated in the stalls and 515 in the balcony. The main entrance is on the corner and leads to a spacious entrance-hall from which direct access is gained to the auditorium and the balcony. The ground floor will be of special design with a gradual rake which will give patrons every comfort and an uninterrupted view of the stage and screen. The whole building will be luxuriously furnished and equipped, and when completed will be one of the most up-to-date cinemas in the kingdom. The building will be out externally in brick and terra-cotta facings. The architects are Gray & Evans, of Liverpool, who specialise in theatre and cinema work. The building work will be done by George Platt & Sons, Ltd., Liverpool and the terra-cotta work by the Bispham Brick & Terra-Cotta Company, Orrell.[Bioscope 15 August 1928 page 32]

TENDERS FOR ST. HELENS HALL - Tenders for a new kinema at the junction of North Road and Duke Street, St. Helens, to cost £40,000 or £45,000, will be invited in two weeks. A modern house, to seat 1,530, is shown on the plans, which, having been approved by the licensing authorities, were prepared by Messrs. Gray and Evans of 51, North Street, Liverpool. [Thursday 31 May 1928 page 61] 

The Capitol Cinema was taken over by Liverpool-based Regent Enterprises Ltd. in 1929, and by the Associated British Cinemas (ABC) chain in 1935. It underwent a renovation in the 1960s and was closed by ABC on 9th December 1978. The building was converted into a sports centre and  by 2009 it was a Central Fitness gymnasium.

Reference    The Bioscope - Thursday 10 May 1928 page 40 – glass town
Reference    Kinematograph Weekly - Thursday 31 May 1928 page 61 – tenders invited