Bit of history on the site from (http://www.mywarrington.me.uk/)
The iconic Mr Smiths nightclub at Bridge Foot is set to be demolished in August 2014.
In July 2014 plans were submitted to Warrington Borough Council by LPC Living Ltd, Salford Quays-based owners of the venue. The borough council says it cannot oppose demolition because the building is not listed or protected by law. The council now has until 11 August 2014 to approve how work to knock down the building should be carried out.
The venue has been a landmark in the town centre for decades. The building opened in August 1937 as a 1,928 seat cinema and the first film starred Robert Armstrong Without Orders and Chester Morris "I promise to pay."
Before it was renamed Mr Smiths for the second time in its history, it was known as Halo nightclub. This used to be the ABC cinema, or the Ritz. Famous visitors include world-famous comedy duo Laurel and Hardy, who visited in 1952, not to entertain, but to promote performances in Southport and Liverpool. Local entertainer George Formby, who once resided in Stockton Heath, did perform at the venue. The club was previously known as Synergy, and before that Mr Smiths for the first time.
Pete Waterman and Michaela Strachen presented the Granada TV music and dance show, The Hitman and Her, from here in the 1980s. In the time between Mr Smiths and the opening as Synergy in March 2008, it was opened for one night a week, usually for school discos. It became Halo in November 2009, but closed in 2010. It reopened once more as Mr Smiths on 1 October 2011 after it was bought at auction in London earlier in 2011.
Our visit -
Its been a while since I've last posted on here, but seen as this is in my hometown, and that I live no less than a 5 minute drive from here, it would have been rude not to check this out before it's gone! Visited with a few friends, non 28DL members. Made a couple of visits prior to going in to establish access etc.
Inside the nightclub it has alot of leftover stuff from the prior various nightclubs that have been operating from there, anything from giant teddy bears to wristbands.
Capturing the site was quite demanding due to there being absolutely zero light in there, having to rely on the light of others and a headtorch, but i think i managed to get a few decent snaps. Anyway, here we are.
1-
2-
3- This scared the living daylight out of me
4- These didnt help either
5- At least someone is having a good time, despite everything
6-
7- Some rooms make it feel like it was closed in the 80/90's
8- This is my best shot, IMO
9- There were hundreds of these matches scattered across the building
10- Another favourite
11-
12-
13- Classy.
14-
15-
16- Couldnt just leave Mr Daniels out
17- In the old cinema, tried to capture the best i could in pitch black conditions
18-
19-
20- Thats all folks!
Thanks for viewing, the rest of the pictures taken can be viewed Here
The iconic Mr Smiths nightclub at Bridge Foot is set to be demolished in August 2014.
In July 2014 plans were submitted to Warrington Borough Council by LPC Living Ltd, Salford Quays-based owners of the venue. The borough council says it cannot oppose demolition because the building is not listed or protected by law. The council now has until 11 August 2014 to approve how work to knock down the building should be carried out.
The venue has been a landmark in the town centre for decades. The building opened in August 1937 as a 1,928 seat cinema and the first film starred Robert Armstrong Without Orders and Chester Morris "I promise to pay."
Before it was renamed Mr Smiths for the second time in its history, it was known as Halo nightclub. This used to be the ABC cinema, or the Ritz. Famous visitors include world-famous comedy duo Laurel and Hardy, who visited in 1952, not to entertain, but to promote performances in Southport and Liverpool. Local entertainer George Formby, who once resided in Stockton Heath, did perform at the venue. The club was previously known as Synergy, and before that Mr Smiths for the first time.
Pete Waterman and Michaela Strachen presented the Granada TV music and dance show, The Hitman and Her, from here in the 1980s. In the time between Mr Smiths and the opening as Synergy in March 2008, it was opened for one night a week, usually for school discos. It became Halo in November 2009, but closed in 2010. It reopened once more as Mr Smiths on 1 October 2011 after it was bought at auction in London earlier in 2011.
Our visit -
Its been a while since I've last posted on here, but seen as this is in my hometown, and that I live no less than a 5 minute drive from here, it would have been rude not to check this out before it's gone! Visited with a few friends, non 28DL members. Made a couple of visits prior to going in to establish access etc.
Inside the nightclub it has alot of leftover stuff from the prior various nightclubs that have been operating from there, anything from giant teddy bears to wristbands.
Capturing the site was quite demanding due to there being absolutely zero light in there, having to rely on the light of others and a headtorch, but i think i managed to get a few decent snaps. Anyway, here we are.
1-
2-
3- This scared the living daylight out of me
4- These didnt help either
5- At least someone is having a good time, despite everything
6-
7- Some rooms make it feel like it was closed in the 80/90's
8- This is my best shot, IMO
9- There were hundreds of these matches scattered across the building
10- Another favourite
11-
12-
13- Classy.
14-
15-
16- Couldnt just leave Mr Daniels out
17- In the old cinema, tried to capture the best i could in pitch black conditions
18-
19-
20- Thats all folks!
Thanks for viewing, the rest of the pictures taken can be viewed Here
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