Durkan to renovate Britain's oldest cinema
Durkan are starting the major refurbishment of Britain's oldest continuous working cinema, just in time for its centenary celebrations. Durkan has been awarded the £700,000 contract by the Phoenix Cinema Trust to restore the Grade II listed Phoenix cinema to its former art deco glory. The 100 year old cinema is situated in East Finchley and lists Michael Palin, Maureen Lipmann, Victoria Wood and Mike Leigh as patrons.
Internally, Durkan are renovating the auditorium, constructed in 1910. This will include the complete restoration of the original Edwardian barrel ceiling and repairs to the striking art deco plaster wall panels, created by renowned architects Mollo and Egan in 1938. In 2000 the English Heritage recognised the cinema was of historic architectural importance and granted listed status. As one of the earliest purpose-built cinemas in the UK and one of even fewer still operating as a cinema (even the original Edwardian projector still remains), the Phoenix is now officially protected from demolition or damaging alterations. In addition to restoration improvements Durkan will convert the current office space and extend the mezzanine floor above the foyer into a substantial public café and bar area. At the front of the building Durkan will be constructing a striking terrace which includes a canopy and glass balustrade, enabling visitors to enjoy the outside space, overlooking the high street. Durkan will also be repairing the exterior roof and adding new render to help insulate the building. New signage, 30's-style neon lighting and a large readograph board to the front of the cinema will be added to increase the cinemas presence in the area. Managing Director of Durkan, Robert Clark, comments: "We are delighted to be working with the Phoenix Cinema Trust, the renovation will completely transform The Phoenix, ensuring its long term future survival, preserving its architectural status and increasing capacity." Patron Michael Palin said: "As the years go by and the old cinemas fall by the wayside, the Phoenix has indeed lived up to its name. Now there's an exciting future ahead of one of the capital's oldest working cinemas." The Phoenix cinema is independently run by the Phoenix Cinema Trust, a non-profit making organisation and is the only historical cinema in London to have been awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund grant. This beautiful, but ageing cinema will be completed in August 2010, in time for its centenary celebrations.
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