La Scala Cinema

La Scala Cinema, originally known as the Empire Electric Theatre, is a former cinema building located in Grangemouth, in the Falkirk council area of Scotland. It opened in December 1913 and is considered one of the oldest purpose-built cinema buildings in Scotland. After three years of operation under its original name, it was renamed La Scala Cinema. The building underwent modifications over the decades, including adaptations for sound films in the 1930s and renovations following fires in 1952 and 1962. By 1971, it had ceased to function as a cinema and was repurposed as a bingo hall. In 2007, the building was listed as a Category C listed building by Historic Scotland, recognising its architectural and historical significance. The building features a Scottish Neo-Renaissance style facade with a symmetrical design, brick masonry with sandstone detailing, and a prominent central entrance with the original name 'Empire Electric Theatre' engraved above it. Today, the building no longer operates as a cinema and has been altered from its original state.

The La Scala Cinema, originally named the Empire Electric Theatre, opened in December 1913 in Grangemouth, Scotland. It was one of the earliest purpose-built cinemas in Scotland, following the Hippodrome in nearby Bo'ness, which opened in 1912. After three years, the cinema was renamed La Scala Cinema. The interior was likely extensively refurbished at least once, and in the 1930s, the auditorium was adapted for sound films. The architect for the remodelling may have been Alistair G. MacDonald, son of British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald. By the 1940s, the auditorium could seat 655 people. Fires occurred in 1952 and 1962, leading to renovations. From 1971, the building was used as a bingo hall. In 2007, it was listed as a Category C listed building. The building is located next to the town hall in the north of the town, with a south-facing front along the Bo'ness Road (A904). Its facade is in a Scottish Neo-Renaissance style, almost symmetrical, consisting of a single-storey building with a vestibule flanked by two-storey towers. The masonry is brick with sandstone detailing at the edges and openings. The name 'Empire Electric Theatre' is engraved in a sandstone plaque above the central entrance. The building has been altered and extended multiple times and is no longer in its original condition.

• 2007

  Listed as a Category C listed building.

• 1971

  Building repurposed as a bingo hall.

• 1962

  Second fire occurred, prompting further renovations.

• 1952

  Fire broke out, leading to renovations.

• 1940

  Auditorium could seat 655 people.

• 1930

  Auditorium adapted for sound films.

• 1916

  Renamed La Scala Cinema after three years of operation.

• 1913

  Opened as the Empire Electric Theatre in December.

1. 1La Scala Cinema - Wikidatawikidata.org
2. 2La Scala Cinema - German Wikipediade.wikipedia.org