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Architect's model

This architect’s model shows the proposed new complex to be built at the bottom of West Street by Top Rank in the mid-sixties. The ‘Kingswest’, as it was called, was to house a multi cinema complex, bars and an ice rink. This section shows the aspect from West Street and a rear view from Little Russell Street.

Architect's model of the building
From the private collection of Trevor Chepstow

Comments about this page

  • Was never going to be popular in a country that rejects any form of modernism, despite it being as ambitious, expensive, well designed and ‘modern’ as the cinemas it replaced. The people for whom it was built, the audiences of the 70’s (rather than the audiences of the 40’s and 50’s), actually quite liked it.

    By G Walters (26/11/2007)
  • I met my wife at the ‘Suite’ on December 29th 1983. I used the Suite, Jenkinsons and the Revolution from 1973 onwards. I had some great times. But the actual building is hideous to look at. Sadly, the whole redevelopment of that area from Western Road to Kings Road and west to Cannon place was botched. There was and is a need for conference and leisure facilities but it could have been more tastefully constructed.

    By Richard J. Szypulski (23/07/2011)
  • Richard – I too remember the Suite, Jenkinsons and the Revolution. I attended the opening night of the Revolution Sept 1972 if my memory serves me correctly. Another haunt in the early 70s was the Birds Nest, which is where I met my hubby in Jan 1974.

    By Jacqui (25/07/2011)
  • I do believe I remember a film possibly a James Bond film using the centre roof as part of a chase scene. It may be I am wrong. The suite and Revolution usually followed by an “O’Hagens” hotdog from the corner of Ship Street as well.

    By Barry (30/07/2011)
  • My wife, two sons and I celebrated our Silver wedding anniversary on February 3rd 2015. So the Suite is special to us!

    By Richard J. Szypulski (06/02/2015)

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