Rio Cinema
Art deco cinema in East London
Client: Rio Cinema
Listed Grade II
Status: Complete
Restoration of the 1909 Art Deco cinema with improved technology, access and comfort. Improved wheelchair access was implemented throughout, with lift access to training and meeting room spaces at basement level. External and internal illuminated signage and neon strips accentuate the fluted features and vertical bands of the original façade giving the cinema a strong night presence.
The auditorium is provided with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology and comfortable new stall seating within the renovated and restored Art Deco shell. The box office and bar counters are designed to appear as modern insertions within the existing building fabric.
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The cinema was designed by George Coles of Adams and Coles in 1913 and altered by F.E. Bromige in the 1930s. At this time an Art Deco shell was created within the existing interior, reducing the size of the auditorium. While continuing to operate as a successful local cinema, by the 1990s the building was in need of a comprehensive overhaul.
The cinema was designed by George Coles of Adams and Coles in 1913 and altered by F.E. Bromige in the 1930s. At this time an Art Deco shell was created within the existing interior, reducing the size of the auditorium. While continuing to operate as a successful local cinema, by the 1990s the building was in need of a comprehensive overhaul.