Huddersfield’s Palace Theatre set to be demolished

Jul 10 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

In 1969 it became a bingo hall which ran for many years, being converted into a Chicago Rock Cafe nightclub in 1997 and later Club Society.

Inside the dress circle and upper circle still remain and despite the changes of use and painting over the tall windows, the exterior remains little altered.

A return to use as a theatre was ruled out with the development of the Lawrence Batley Theatre and in 2008 the building was included in plans for the Kingsgate 2 project.

Mr Marsden described the loss of the venue as a sign of the times, but said it would be sadly missed by those who still have fond memories of the music hall.

He said: “I know it has been neglected and in its current state is not very appealing, but I do regard it as an asset to the streetscape, particularly in its relation to buildings like the parish church with its gothic tower.

“When the building was new it would have been incredibly novel and glamorous and such an exciting place for people to go and see these variety acts.

“It will still be a fond memory in many peoples’ minds, but they would have to be in their 70s or 80s to remember it in its heyday.

“It is a sign of the times that the building has had to change its use over the years to fit in with modern social habits, but I do think it is a shame that it could not have been restored as a theatre.”

A spokesman for Hallco confirmed a notice had been served but stressed that no timetable had been drawn up.

He said the site was an integral part of the plans for any Kingsgate expansion.