Paramount Cinema, Oxford Street
1 sound
The Paramount Cinema, later taken over by the Odeon chain, operated between 1930 and 2004. Able to service nearly 3000 patrons, the inside of the theatre was split over three levels - orchestra, mezzanine and balcony. It is the largest of the original picture houses to survive as a successful modern cinema. In the end, Odeon closed this site due to competition from local multiplexes.
The subject of local petition and protest when the decision was taken to demolish in 2017, it remained the last of the iconic Manchester cinemas, a familiar landmark in this area of the city centre. Its removal marked a precedent for the future of Manchester histories and heritage. As you can see, it has been replaced by a 14-story office block, matching an earlier build around the corner on St Peter’s Square.
Mr James Gilligan frequented many of the cinemas around central and South Manchester in his youth. This clip contains his recollection of the Paramount Cinema and how it was unlike any other he had experienced thus far.
Image: Paramount Cinema, Oxford Street, Manchester, 1939 Ref: m09256
