Dark Arches, Leeds

History

In 1864 it was proposed to build a "New Station" in Leeds. Construction began in 1866 and the station was completed in 1869. The new station was built on arches which span the River Aire, Neville Street and Swinegate. The building of the station led to the creation of the 'Dark Arches' over Neville Street. Over 18 million bricks were used during their construction, breaking records at the time.

Although the arches appear to be part of one single structure, closer inspection reveals that it is a series of independent viaducts two or four tracks wide. The station is situated next to the terminus of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, but as the station is raised high above ground level it is possible to gain access to the Dark Arches from the towpath.

Developed in the 1990s and advertised as Leeds' best kept secret, the Granary Wharf shopping centre is situated underneath the Dark Arches. There were several established businesses underneath the arches, these included; restaurants, shops, boutiques, cafes, a bakery, exhibition spaces and a 1,000 capacity events venue. The Arches as a shopping centre was in decline for some time, and has now been developed as a car park.

Source:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granary_Wharf

Esoteric Eric

1 East Parade, Leeds

Regal Cinema, Bacup

History

Located in a good position very near to the centre of this attractive little Lancashire town. Built on the site of the Bacup Public Hall/Gem Cinema/Kozy Picture House. It opened on 7th September 1931 as the New Regal Super Cinema with 960 seats split between stalls and balcony. It is constructed of stone with a largely white faience facade the circular shield once spelt out ‘Regal’ but has been changed to bingo. It was designed by local architect Harry Cropper and the auditorium side-walls had painted panels of scenic views decorated by Messrs Goodalls of Manchester.

Above the diminutive entrance is a large stained glass window which lights the circle foyer. It has a particularly wide proscenium for a relatively small cinema at 45 feet wide. It was taken over by the Leeds based Star Cinemas chain in around 1959. It was closed as a cinema in the late-1960’s, and converted into the New Embassy Bingo Club, later to be re-named Roxy Bingo Club.

The bingo club closed in the early-2000’s, and the building put up ‘For Sale’ at 45,000 GB Pounds, reflecting the property’s need for upgrading. Despite the estate agents warning, the building is solidly constructed and appears superficially to be sound, but there seems to have been some vandalism inside.

Source:

http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/3348

Esoteric Eric

Mitchells Brewery, Lancaster

History

Though the company had been founded by William Mitchell in 1865, these buildings designed by architect WA Deighton in 1901 were run by rivals Yates and Jackson until their acquisition by Thwaites in 1985, when Mitchell’s moved in from their old Church Street premises. 

The Malthouse had the capacity to produce 20,000 barrels a year yet in its final years just 7,000 were produced.

Finally after several attempts English Heritage listed the Malthouse in 2011 following the discovery of Polish timbers dating back to 1750.

Source:

https://www.28dayslater.co.uk/threads/mitchells-brewery-lancaster-july-2016.104267/

Esoteric Eric

Grange-Over-Sands Lido, Cumbria

History

Grange over Sands Lido, accessed off the promenade, was constructed in 1932 to designs by the Council Surveyor Bernard Smith. A seaside salt-water lido, it is a fine example of its type, designed complete with ancillary buildings including an entrance block with upper viewing gallery and attached sun decks, detached changing wings, terraces, pump house, paddling pool and stepped diving stage. Grange Lido closed in 1993 but was given Grade 2 listed status in 2011.

Source:

https://www.savegrangelido.co.uk/history/

Esoteric Eric

Preston Motor Village, Preston

History

A fire destroyed the car breakers yard in December 2018, the cause of which still remains unknown. 

Esoteric Eric