A NEW PICTURE THEATRE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16606, 18 July 1914, Page 13

A NEW PICTURE THEATRE.

TO BE ERECTED IN CATHEDRAL SQUARE.

The plans of the " New Colosseum " picture theatre, situated at the corner of Cathedral Square and Chancery Lane, have now been prepared by Mr W. Gray Young, architect, of Wellington.

The main entrance to the theatre, between two shops, is from the Square by a spacious entrance hall.2oft wide with a red tiled flcor and. richly ornamented ceiling. This leads into tho main foyer, which has been made one of the features of the building, and is quite novel in a picture theatre. At one side has been placed the mam staircase, 7ft wide, and at tho opposite side are the exit stairs, whilst in the middle is the main entrance to the auditorium. Round three sides of the foyer is a gallery, practically another foyer, supported bv largo Grecian lonic columns with a richly ornamented wrought iron balustrade in between. Patrons will bo able to moet their friends or wait in this upper foyer, as it is the intention of the directors to place comfortable chairs and small tables there. From the upper foyer access is gained to the circle, which has seating accommodation for 400 persons, 700 being accommodated in the stalls.

Special attention is to be given to the seating, which will be of the tipup type of chair upholstered in green leather. The auditorium is to be finished with moulded plasters, cornices and panels and enriched fibrous plaster ceiling. Tlve picture screen is to he of fibrous plasted on a steel frame, and is to be surrounded by a massively moulded frame of fibrous plaster, which, with the panelling and medallions, will give a striking appearance to this end of the theatre. The heating is to be by means of radiators on the direct indirect system of hot water heating, whilst , special attention has been given to ventilation. Largo ventilators have been placed on tlie" ridge, and are connected with perforated centre flowers Bft in diameter in the ceiling. Specially designed electric light fittings are to bo provided for the interior, whilst the outbide is to be.one blase of light. The whole of the cantilever verandah is to be outlined in electric globes, and there is to be a screen of electric lights to the top of the building. The exterior has been designed in the classic manner, with a central feature of fluted Doric columns supporting a pediment, flanked at each side with plain pressed brick panels and rusticated piers, which give a bold and pleasing appearance. It is anticipated that the buildine will be finished about the middle of December.

Mr H. Waters is to be the manager of the new place of amusement.