18 March 2025

A case of extreme change at ground level – Albany Court in Collins Street was built in 1936, next to the 1932 Manchester Unity building, and both were designed by Marcus Barlow. It had great signage, a short shopping arcade through to Howey Place, and a newsreel cinema in the basement, with a simple but striking interior (and air conditioning). A verandah was added by the time of the 1962 colour photo, and in 1978 the cinema became the Pussy Galore adult theatre, finally closing in 1989.

The facade was rather plain, and a bit plainer now with simpler window frames. I don’t know exactly what that tiger was promoting (apparently a colour animated short called ‘Jungle Antics’). The crowns might be about George VI’s coronation, so this could be Dec 1936? All pics via Facebook or cinema treasures.

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