NEW CITY THEATRE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22349, 21 February 1936, Page 14

NEW CITY THEATRE

WORK PROCEEDING APACE COMPLETION IN SIX WEEKS The construction of a modern picture theatre at the south-east corner of Lome Street and Wellesley Street is proceeding apace. The theatre, which is for J. C. Williamson Picture Corporation. Limited, and will be known as the Embassy, will, it is expected, be ready for use in about six weeks' time.

The theatre, it is claimed, will be the most up-to-date in the Dominion, being an improvement on, but after the same style as, the corporation's new Avon Theatre, in Christchurch. It is hcing built in reinforced concrete, with brick panels, and will have a seating capacity of between 700 and 800. The cost of the building will be about £30.000. Yesterday all the concrete beams and structural steelwork were in place, and the brickwork about three parts completed. By this time it was originally intended to have the roof and the flooring in place, but this has not been possible, owing to a delay in a shipment of seasoned timber. A large steel beam, 70ft. long bv6ft. in depth, has been placed in position for the support of the circle, and men are now engaged upon the framework for the circle seating arrangements A feature in the construction of tho building is a concrete stage, instead of one consisting of timber. The reason for this, it is stated, is that the stage will house the boiler for the heating and air-conditioning plant, and will also form a fire-proof exit for patrons in the stalls. Another feature will be the provision of a lounge for those in the stalls, in addition to the circle lounge. About 40 men are employed on tho construction of the theatre.