Rebuilding of Palace Theatre Under Way

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 6, 8 January 1936, Page 4

Rebuilding of Palace Theatre Under Way

NEW STADIUM STRUCTURE WILL SEAT 1200 PERSONS It is now nearly a year since the Palace theatre building was gutted by fire, and yesterday demolition of the badly-damaged structure was commenced. After interior wreckage had been removed, tho task of removing the stage was begun. Tho roof of the old building is to be demolished, the back wall talcon down and rebuilt about 12 feet further away from the street, the dress-circle removed, aud the walls on tho sides are to be lowered considerably. A. familiar .architectural feature to the resident’s” ,of Palmerston North, tho verandah on the front of the building, is also to disappear.

From the old building there is to riso immediately another which will follow a modern trend—tho one-floor typo theatre. It is expected that tho accommodation will bo for about 1200 persons. Tho scats aro to .bp of ( . a specially patented typo designed, to give the greatest of ease and comfort. The foyer will bo pleasingly spacious; no tiling will bo used for the floor, carpets being provided for underfoot material. Chromium-plated fittings are to be a feature of the appointments of ,the, building., . Special lighting is to bo installed and the front of the building will ■bo floodlit. Palmerston Amusements, Ltd., tnc company which owned the theatre when it wag destroyed, and which is now having it rebuilt, expect that it will bo open in about three months’ time. Mr T. L. Craigie, tho manager of. the Kosy theatre, is watching tho company’s interests while the work is proceeding.