Outward appearances can be deceiving & never more so than in this instance.
This striking local landmark, which is now home to a thriving church, is clearly visible from the cache hiding place. It has a 100+ year history & is remembered fondly by many locals.
Opened in 1920 as Salthouse Pavilion Cinema, it was designed by local architects. The first film shown was “Redeeming Love” on 14th January 1920. There was seating for 940 in stalls and circle levels.
Taken over by the Union Cinemas chain in August 1936, and then by the Associated British Cinemas (ABC) chain in October 1937, The Pavilion Cinema eventually closed on 24th October 1959 with a final showing of Frankie Vaughan in the film, “Heart of a Man”.
The building was then converted into an independent bingo club, which closed in January 2012.
Acquired by Spring Mount Christian Fellowship in February 2015, the plans were to convert it to a church, as the building on Abbey Road had become too small for the growing church family.
Permission for change of use was given in 2016 and work to renovate & convert it into more suitable premises began.
Sunday services began there on 23 June 2019.
Salthouse Pavilion is now home to the thriving Springmount Church - a growing community church family, with a truly international flavour; including families from America, Argentina, Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Nigeria, the Philippines, & Ukraine.