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 cinema.
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. The last picture show was in 1975 and the Hippodrome closed its doors after a short spell as a Bingo Hall.
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 2009. You will once again be able to enjoy the classic interior of red velvet seats and dark wood - with the latest projection and sound technology equipment to enhance your visit.
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
   
The cinema which first opened in March 1912 once again opened its doors in April 2009.
Falkirk Council held a Community Event on Monday 6th April (with a screening of "Mama Mia") and a Red Carpet Launch on 7th April. The Cinema once again opened to the general public on Thursday 9th April with "Monsters vs Alians". For more details on the current screenings and the recent opening event. Please press here to be taken to the Falkirk Council Website with details of the opening events and current cinema listings.
If you would like more information on the Hippodrome - please press HERE to be taken to a recent article on the BBC Website.
  
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 21st Century Cinema in a unique environment .
 
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