6 And 8, Fort Hill

6 and 8 Fort Hill is a former cinema built in 1911, designed by CW Stanley and WJ Ballard. The building is constructed of brick with a stuccoed façade. Originally, it featured a two-storey front of house block that included a foyer and residential accommodation on the upper floor, with a long rectangular auditorium located behind. The ground floor and auditorium have since been combined into one large open-plan space.

The exterior showcases an eclectic Regency/Italianate style, with two storeys and a tall ground floor. The symmetrical façade includes horizontal rustication on the ground floor. The main entrance is set within a large cambered arch (with modern infill), flanked by a round-headed niche on the left and a similar doorway on the right, each featuring a panel above that depicts a musical instrument. The end bays project forward below the first floor and are topped with inset panels decorated with masks. The first floor has three windows set within moulded architraves, while the parapet appears to have been altered.

Inside, the building has undergone significant changes, but the plaster ceiling from the former auditorium remains above a modern suspended ceiling. This ceiling features a deep moulded cornice enriched with egg-and-dart moulding. Other original features may be hidden beneath modern surfaces, and the upper floor was not inspected.

The building is listed for its architectural interest, particularly its attractive façade that complements the adjacent No. 2 Fort Hill, contributing to its group value. It is also of historical significance as a representation of Margate's early 20th-century development as a prominent seaside resort and entertainment venue.