Oddfellows’ Hall, (later Prince'sCinema), Albert Square, Stalybridge

ODDFELLOWS' HALL, STALYBRIDGE - The directors of the Stalybridge Oddfellows' Hall and Social Institute Company having offered premiums for the best two designs for an Oddfellows Hall and Social Club to cost about £2,000, four sets of drawings were sent in. Mr. Amos Lee, borough surveyor, acted as professional adviser to the Board; and it was decided that the plans bearing motto "Adaptation " were the best. Mr. Gregory Gill, architect, of The Hollins, Stalybridge, was the author, and the work has been entrusted to his care. The foundations have already been let, and the superstructure will be proceeded with as quickly as possible. The building is in the Italian Gothic plain but characteristically treated, - of stock bricks and York stone dressings. It is situated in one of the most central positions of a town not overstocked with buildings of much architectural attraction. [Building News - Friday 17 August 1877 page 150]

TO BUILDERS - Parties desirous of tendering for the whole or any part of the works required in the Erection of the ODDFELLOWS HALL and SOCIAL CLUB situate at the junction of High Street and Caroline Street, Stalybridge, may see the plans and specifications at the Architect's office and obtain Bills of Quantities on and after Monday 10th September next. Tenders to be delivered on or before Wednesday 19 September, endorsed "Tender for Oddfellows Hall," and addressed to R. Ashton Esq J.P. Chairman, Early Bank View, Stalybridge. GREGORY GILL Architect and Surveyor. The Hollins, Stalybridge. 1 September 1877. [Stalybridge Reporter - Saturday 1 September 1877 page 3]

Opened in 1877 as the Oddfellows Social Club and Institute, it later began showing animated pictures and became known as the Oddfellows Hall Picture House. In February 1909 it was operated by the Franco-British Picture Company, advertised as being open every evening and boasting an “iron box cinematograph, impossible to fire.” On 8th March 1926 it opened after refurbishment as the New Princes Cinema with seating for 700. It was the first cinema in the area to have a locally manufactured effects machine for silent films. By 1963 it was closed for film and was converted into the Cosmo Bingo Club. Following a fire in the early 1980s the Bingo Club closed and the building was subsequently demolished,

Reference    Building News - Friday 17 August 1877 page 150
Reference    Stalybridge Reporter - Saturday 1 September 1877 page 3 - contracts
Reference    Stalybridge Reporter 20 February 1909 page 1