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© Mr F. Bryan Basketter LRPS
IoE Number:
438795
Location:
THE TOP RANK CLUB (FORMER ESSOLDO CINEMA), CHESTER ROAD
STRETFORD, TRAFFORD, GREATER MANCHESTER
Photographer:
Mr F. Bryan Basketter LRPS
Date Photographed:
14 August 2003
Date listed:
28 March 1994
Date of last amendment:
28 March 1994
Grade
II
The Images of England website consists of images of listed buildings based on the statutory list as it was in 2001 and does not incorporate subsequent amendments to the list. For the statutory list and information on the current listed status of individual buildings please go to The National Heritage List for England.
The following building shall be added:
STRETFORD CHESTER ROAD
SJ 79 SE
1482-/5/10004 The Top Rank Club
(former Essoldo Cinema)
II
Cinema, now club. 1936,by Henry Elder,ofRoberts,Wood and Elder of Manchester, for the
Jackson and Newport cinema circuit,with late C20 alterations. Of narrow red brick,with faience
tiled facade,with roofs concealed by tall brick walling.Art Deco style. Set-back auditorium,with
long foyer passage to Chester Road entrance,and shorter link to side entrance on Edge Road,set
amidst contemporary buildings. The Chester Road entrance was designed to resemble a cash
register, with stepped convex surfaces curving upwards and backwards,and an attached but
advanced rib rising with less curvature designed to carry the vertically-displayed name of the
cinema,now bearing the name 'Top Rank.'A projecting band,carved across the face of both
curve and rib is the sole horizontal element above the rectangular entrance canopy, which has
a modern facsia. This sits above 3 evenly- spaced double doorways,with tile covered flanking
walls. Side entrance on Edge Road with tall convex brick wall above a semi-circular canopy,the
two components forming a circular entrance area above which rises a substantial tall,grooved
concrete column. Directly beneath,supporting the canopy is a curved pier which divides the side
entrance area,each part with a pair of original glazed double doors. To the right,a tall recessed
panel set between tall brick piers stands above exit doors for the auditorium. Interior; stalls area
altered to form a bingo hall, but plan little disturbed, with circle,projection room,upper floor
bar,lighting rotunda and a cafe area above the foyer( now with a suspended ceiling) all
surviving. Foyer murals,designed by Frederick H. Baines, depicting contemporary cinema
scenes,and each 10x6 feet are thoughtto survive behind removable coverings. This was amongst
the first, and is the only survivor of Elder's cinemas,a building in which the striking and explicit
frontage motifs are held to represent his belief that the film industry of the day was primarily
concerned with money and sex. The design represents a dramatic departure from theatre
-influenced cinema planning, and acknowledged the different spatial and technical requirements
of wide screen cinematography.