1935 – Strand Cinema, Belfast

Opened in 1935, the original seating capacity was 1170, 270 of those in the balcony. The cinema housed a café above the foyer. The interior colour scheme was carried out in monochromatic shades and the general effect was considered bright and fresh. The walls had a ground of waterproof plastic paint, on which was sprayed a texture of metallic paint the speckling of which was considered most attractive. The foyer was covered with terrazzo in bold bars of colour, grey, red, black and aluminium. Later subdivided into four screens, and seating was reduced to six hundred and forty-two.

In 1999, the original red brickwork of the building was rendered and painted and Art Deco flourishes added over its entrance. The interior underwent a restoration bringing back many of its lost features and won an RIBA Architecture Award. In 2013 it ceased as a commercial cinema and the Strand Arts Centre was established as a not-for-profit charitable venture. As well as films, it hosts many live events.