The Hyde Park Picture House, in Brudenell Road, is set to reopen on Friday (June 30) after restoration work to the tune of £4.8m. The historic 109-year-old cinema has undergone repairs to the façade, seen its original terrazzo flooring restored and, next month, will see the opening of a brand-new 50-seat second screen in the basement.
With the refurbishment of its nine gas lamps in the auditorium, it will be the last surviving gaslit cinema in the world, as they will be lit for every screening. The Picture House Project received funding from Leeds City Council and the Garfield Weston Foundation, which has allowed the introduction of new accessible facilities, including a ramped entrance, café bar, community room, platform lift and wheelchair accessible toilet.
The project also received £2.6m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Here are the best pictures inside the picture house ahead of its reopening –
1. Hyde Park Picture House
The finishing touches are being put to the historic building. Photo: Simon Hulme
2. Hyde Park Picture House
The renovation will bring some of the magic and nostalgia of the film industry back to Leeds. Photo: Simon Hulme
3. Hyde Park Picture House
The 109-year-old building received funding from Leeds City Council and the Garfield Weston Foundation. Photo: Simon Hulme
4. Hyde Park Picture House
Wendy Cook, Head of Cinema at the Hyde Park Picture House, will oversee an exciting programme of films and events. Photo: Simon Hulme
5. Hyde Park Picture House
A glimpse inside the old-fashioned projection room before it starts showing the latest films once again. Photo: Simon Hulme
6. Hyde Park Picture House
The iconic Hyde Park Picture House is set to reopen on Friday (June 30) following an extensive redevelopment project. Photo: Simon Hulme