Hippodrome Cinema, Bo'ness
This 'A' listed building was designed by the architect Matthew Steele in 1911 and is a rare example of Early Pre Art Deco Cinema Architecture. It is arguably Scotland's earliest surviving purpose built cinemal.
The Hippodrome was commissioned by local amateur Flim Maker, Louis Dickson and largely retains its orginal form of a circular auditorium section with a shallow domed roof.
SHBT was gifted ownership of the cinema in 1996 from a local organisation who were concerned by its condition. Development work has been ongoing since that time and a feasibility study was completed in 2002.
http://www.falkirk.gov.uk/services/community/cultural_services/museums/museum_venues/hippodrome/hippodrome.aspx
 
The project went on site in September 2006 and cost £1.8 million to execute over a 15 month period. The restoration was generously funded by Bo'ness Townscape Heritage Initiative, Historic Scotland, Architectural Heritage Fund, Falkirk Enivornment Trust and the Manifold Trust.
 
Works were completed in January 2008, with a formal handover to Falkirk Council on 14th February 2008, who will now complete the fitting out of the building, which will once again open as a Cinema in the Autumn of 2008.
The Handover Ceremony was attended by George McNeill (Chairman of Scottish Historic Buildings Trust) who can be seen below handing over the keys to Adrian Mahoney (Convener - Environment and Heritage at Falkirk Council).
Photos of the Opening Ceremony taken by James Stewart Photography
   
  
Falkirk Council have taken a lease on the building with the expectation of a year round programme of cinema screenings and related heritage and community engagement opportunities. The re-opening of The Hippodrome will present the heritage and authentic character of Scotland’s first purpose-built cinema to a range of new audiences, offering the opportunity to enjoy 21-century cinema in a unique environment .
 
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