6 And 8, Fort Hill

878/2/156 FORT HILL 22-FEB-1973 6 AND 8 (Formerly listed as: FORT HILL 6)

II

Former cinema. Built in 1911 to the design of CW Stanley and WJ Ballard. Brick with stuccoed façade.

As built, the plan comprised a two-storey front of house block with a foyer and residential accommodation on the upper floor, and a long rectangular auditorium behind. The ground floor and auditorium is now one large open-plan space.

EXTERIOR: Eclectic Regency/Italianate style. Two-storeys with tall ground floor. Symmetrical façade with horizontal rustication to ground floor. Main entrance is set in large cambered arch (infill is modern), flanked by a round-headed niche to the left and a similar doorway to right, each with panel above depicting a musical instrument. End bays break forward below first floor and are surmounted by inset panels decorated with masks. First floor has three windows set in moulded architraves. The parapet appears altered.

INTERIOR: Much altered, but plaster ceiling to former auditorium survives above modern suspended ceiling, this has deep moulded cornice enriched with egg-and-dart moulding. Other original features may be concealed by modern surfaces. Upper floor not inspected.

SOURCES English Heritage, English Seaside Resorts, 2007 English Heritage, Margate's Seaside Heritage, 2007,

REASON FOR DESIGNATION: Nos. 6 and 8 Fort Hill, the former Parade Cinema, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons:

• It has special architectural interest for its good frontage in an eclectic Regency/Italianate style, which complements No. 2 Fort Hill adjacent (qv), and thus has strong group value. Also for surviving auditorium ceiling.

• Of historic interest as a record of Margate's early-C20 growth as a major seaside resort and place of entertainment.