Coronation Cinema Now Snooker Hall

The following building shall be added to the list:-

NEWHAM TQ48 NW HIGH STREET NORTH, MANOR PARK (West side)

251-/2/10009 Coronation Cinema, now snooker hall

GV II

Cinema, now snooker hall. 1921 by Clifford Aish. Rendered brick with some steel framing, roof not seen. Original plan a long, narrow, rectangular hall with entry under first floor balcony at one end reached by staircase opposite entrance; the upper parts now boxed in by partitions and false ceiling and not used. Archaic but elaborate facade of nine bays flanked by broader end bays, each denoted by paired pilasters to upper levels over blind ground-floors with rusticated surrounds to exit doors: the central bays with paired Ionic pilasters and alternate blind oeil-de-boeuf motif, the right-hand end pavilion with original sign 'CORONATION', paired Tuscan pilasters and first-floor oriel window to foyer, projecting canopy (later reclad) and entrance. Cornice and high parapets.

Interior survives behind boarding and false ceiling inserted for snooker in 1985. Staircase with gold-painted metal balustrading to lower flight leads to balcony. Nine-bay interior retains original and unusually elaborate plaster decoration in panels, with alternating squares and roundels, drops and swags, under barrel-vaulted ceiling that is also richly embellished. Elaborate moulded cornice, and moulded surround also to proscenium. Present floor raised to stage level to provide flat floor for snooker, otherwise the building survives very well behind false walls.

Included as a remarkably elaborate cinema of a period when so-called 'super cinemas' were being built for the first time: this example is lavish for its date and is a rare, hidden survival.

Listing NGR: TQ4206185442