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Council to buy theatre shop units to preserve facade

Ros TappendenSouth of England
Symonds and Sampson Elevated diagonal view of the exterior of Electric Palace. The frontage is two storeys with a tiled recessed entrance flanked by two shops. Above the entrance is a blue sign with Electric Palace mounted in gold letters. Above the first floor windows is a white parapet with the word Palace mounted in large letters.Symonds and Sampson
The Art Deco cinema is marking its centenary

A town council has agreed to buy two retail units at the entrance of a 100-year-old Art Deco theatre to preserve its facade.

Electric Palace in Bridport, Dorset, was put up for sale in May, along with the shops and two apartments, for a total of £1.74m.

Bridport Town Council said it would acquire the units to provide "security and continuity" to the business that operate there and to protect the historical South Street frontage.

The retail units had been marketed separately at £190,000. The council's purchase will not include the theatre, which remains on the market at £1.1m.

Symonds and Sampson Front-facing elevated view of the front of Electric Palace with a recessed entrance and shops either side.Symonds and Sampson
Bridport Town Council will take responsibility for the frontage and theatre entranceway

Electric Palace opened in 1926, having been built by the Palmers brewery family, and for the past 12 years, it has been owned by Alasdair Warren.

The building was offered for sale in its entirety, or as three separate lots.

The apartments have since been sold, leaving the theatre and shops on the market.

The council said, as part of the purchase, it would also take on the responsibility for the front section of the building, including the accessway to the Electric Palace venue.

Symonds and Sampson View from the balcony of the Electric Palace auditorium with a blue and gold vaulted ceiling, red velvet seats and orange curtains around the stage. The walls are decorated with murals of theatregoers.Symonds and Sampson
The town council said it supported discussions for a community-led deal for the theatre

A spokesperson said the acquisition "would demonstrate the council remains committed to supporting discussions with the local community and exploring whether a community-led vehicle can be established to secure the future of this valuable town asset".

The building and interior is Grade II listed and its auditorium can seat 410 people or accommodate 480 standing.

Past performers include Bill Bailey and Jason Donovan.

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