Work is progressing at pace on Hyde Park Picture House’s long-awaited redevelopment project. Alongside the installation of a new screen in the basement, plenty has been happening at the very top of the building too…
Written by Ben Palmer.
Roof
The cinema’s roof is about to undergo a huge amount of work, including an entire re-slating, alongside being fully insulated for the first time. Not only will the new slating help protect the cinema from the elements for many more decades, the insulation will dramatically improve the environmental performance of the building, ensuring the cinema costs much less to heat and is a more comfortable place to enjoy a film during the winter months.
Gutters
Around the roof, the lead flashings and gutters are all due to be fully replaced over the coming weeks, and the historic ventilator – which is currently in very poor condition – will soon be refurbished.
Brickwork
The brickwork across the entire building will soon be repointed, using period appropriate lime mortar, to ensure the bricks can properly breathe. Repointing and refurbishment has already been completed on the cinema’s historic chimney at the back of the cinema, which was previously in a poor condition.
Chimney Before
Chimney After
Gable
Last but by no means least, extensive work is currently being carried out to the gable at the very top of the cinema’s facade.
It was recently discovered that the gable was structurally compromised, causing it to lean in a way which could become quite dangerous if left unchecked.
In response the gable has now been propped and fully secured, and parts of it are now being carefully removed in order for the repairs to be carried out. The gable will be fully reinstated ahead of our reopening and should be as secure as it was when it was first build in 1914.
Keep up to date with the latest from our redevelopment process on The Picture House Project website.
