Electric Palace Cinema
Project Overview
Project: Repair, conservation & refurbishment of Grade II* Cinema Client: Electric Palace Trust Services provided: Quantity Surveying, CDM Contact value: £885kThe Electric Palace Cinema in Harwich was built in 1911, two years after the introduction of the Cinematography Act of 1909. It was designed by prominent Ipswich architect Harold Hooper, and built by travelling showman, Charles Thurston.
The cinema closed its doors in 1956, before being ‘rediscovered’ in 1972, derelict but retaining its original silent screen, ornamental front entrance, projection room, and ornate fibrous plaster mouldings. It was rescued by the Harwich Electric Palace Trust and reopened as a community cinema in 1981. A recognised defect in buildings from this era is the failure of ornate plaster ceiling mouldings and, for a number of years, protective netting had been in place to safeguard patrons below. In 2018 further structural defects were discovered, along with a water leak which had caused serious damage to the floor, forcing the cinema to close.
Working in partnership with Nicolas Jacob Architects, Mixbrow Construction, specialist fibrous plaster contractors Locker and Riley, and the Electric Palace Trust, we provided Quantity Surveying and CDM advice on the project to rescue the Grade II* building and bring it back into use.
Electric Palace Cinema, Harwich
Generous grant funding, totalling more than £1.5m from Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other funders, enabled an ambitious repair and refurbishment project. Works included:
- replacement of the roof
- stabilisation and repairs to the original ornate fibrous plaster ceiling to make the building safe
- asbestos removal
- interior redecoration
- replacement of part of the auditorium floor
- alterations to provide disabled access
The initial contract period for was 36 weeks (starting in October 2018). This was impacted significantly by the discovery of additional asbestos in a hitherto inaccessible roof void and necessary removal works. Work was further delayed by Covid-19. The project ultimately completed in 90 weeks (July 2020).
The original contract figure was £462k. The discovery of additional asbestos affected this figure significantly. Following its discovery, and at the request of the client, we undertook a comprehensive analysis of budget versus expenditure. This gave the client confidence that there would be sufficient funding to complete the works, and instruct additional activity, which included comprehensive refurbishment of the auditorium seating. The final account value was £885k.
Trudi Hughes, heritage at risk surveyor at Historic England, who has overseen the progress of the repair and restoration work, said, “The Electric Palace Cinema is a fascinating and very special survival.
“With this last phase of work now complete, the auditorium is at its absolute best, retaining much of its original charm and unique character.”
The refurbished Electric Palace Theatre has itself starred on screen, featuring as a location in the second Downton Abbey movie.