Refurb Projects May 2018

Colchester construction consultancy
to help save historic cinema
Amulti-disciplinary
construction consultancy is
set to breathe life into one
of Britain's oldest surviving
purpose-built cinemas after it
scooped a huge £653,000 lottery
grant.
Colchester-based Daniel Connal
Partnership will work with Ipswichbased
Nicholas Jacob Architects to
restore The Electric Palace cinema,
Harwich, as part of an ambitious
nine-month project.
The firm will start work on the
development, which boasts a silent
screen, original projection room and
ornamental frontage, in June.
Daniel Connal Partnership, who
have considerable experience
working on successful heritage
lottery projects, will act as quantity
surveyors on this project.
Project lead Paul Coleman and
associate at Daniel Connal
Partnership, said: “Securing this level
of funding is a major step forward
in restoring the fabric of the
building and breathing new life into
the site.
“We are delighted to be involved
in this exciting project, continuing
our long relationship with NJ
Architects, and helping to ensure the
future of this landmark building in
historic Harwich.”
Shaun Soanes, the architectural
lead on the project, said: “This is a
building of national significance in
the history of cinema in the UK and
we are thrilled to have been
contracted to play such an
important role in its preservation
and restoration.
“This lottery grant will allow this
important building to be preserved
for generations to come.”
The Electric Palace cinema was
built in 18 weeks at a cost of £1,500
and opened in 1911 with a
screening of the black and white
film Battle of Trafalgar and The
Death of Nelson.
Designed by architect Harold
Hooper and developed by Charles
Thurston, a travelling showman, the
venue, in Kings Quay Street, ran
successfully for 45 years, closing
only briefly in 1953 due to flooding.
It was shut in 1956 however and
left derelict until it was
‘rediscovered’ in 1972.
Since then members of the
Electric Palace Trust and volunteers
have managed – and continue to
work – to protect the building and
this is recognised by the cinema’s
status as a Grade II* listed building.
The venue was officially reopened
in 1981 and, thanks to a
minor refurbishment in 1985, it now
runs as a community cinema which
shows films every weekend as well
as special live and music events.
David Looser, chairman of the
Electric Palace Trust said the lottery
funding would allow the trustees to
undertake essential conservation
work to strengthen the ceiling of
the building, redecorate the
auditorium, refurbish the seats and
toilets, replace electrical switchgear,
enlarge the stage and enhance
security.
“We’re delighted that we’ve
received this support thanks to
National Lottery players,” he said.
"This will enable us not only to
do the work necessary to keep the
Electric Palace operating for the
foreseeable future but also to
expand our range of activities.”
The palace trust announced the
Heritage Lottery Fund grant this
week, which follows £51,000 from
the same fund last January.
PROJECTS
But the trust's own appeal to
raise £60,000 towards the work
needed is still ongoing.
Chris Strachan, Electric Palace
Trust trustee, said: "There is an
expectation we will provide our own
funds that amount to 10 per cent of
that sum.”
To donate to the trust's appeal for
funds, use sort code 40-19-43 and
account number 81379224 and
reference HEPT Roof Appeal.
www.danielconnal.co.uk
REFURBISHMENT PROJECTS, MAY 2018 21
IMAGES COURTESY OF NJ ARCHITECTS.