Kirkgate's abandoned ABC cinema has been empty for over two decades.Kirkgate's abandoned ABC cinema has been empty for over two decades.
Kirkgate's abandoned ABC cinema has been empty for over two decades.

Explore Wakefield's abandoned ABC cinema that has been derelict for two decades

Here are some of the last ever photos of Kirkgate’s abandoned ABC cinema prior to its demolition.
By Kara McKune
Published 1st Jan 2023, 16:30 GMT

Wakefield’s ABC Cinema was an Art Deco building that was designed for Associated British Cinemas by in-house architect William R. Glen and offically opened as the Regal Cinema on 9th December 1935.

The cinema could accommodate 1,594 guests and had a full stage 26 feet deep behind the 43 feet wide proscenium.

The interior featured concealed lighting under the balcony and at the rear of the ceiling, which casted lights towards the front of the cinema.

Following almost 30 years as the ‘Regal Cinema’ the building was renamed ABC in 1962 following a modernising update to the cinema 1976 where it was divided into three screens.

The cinema became a hotspot within the local community showcasing a variety of the nation’s favourite films.

In 1986, ABC's cinemas were sold to The Cannon Group with Cineworld later opening a multiplex in Wakefield which led to the Wakefield’s ABC being closed for good.

After years of discussion and debate on what to do with the derelict site, the site was aquired by the council in 2021 with permission was finally granted in early 2022 for the complete demolition of the building as part of the regeneration of the Kirkgate area.

The demolition job split opinions among Wakefield folk, with some welcoming the end of a visual blot on the city centre landscape whilst others claimed the "architectural quality" of the building meant it was worth saving.

The site is now partially demolished with plans for the area to become a temporary green space whilst councillors consider architects' designs for a new development.

Ultimately, the aim is for 90 new homes to be built and extra car parking to replace the ABC and other surrounding buildings that have been demolished.

The cinema first opened as the 'Regal Cinema' on 9th December 1935.

1. Lights, Camera, Action!

The cinema first opened as the 'Regal Cinema' on 9th December 1935. Photo: Lost Places & Forgotten Faces

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The cinema was renamed ABC in 1962, almost thirty years after opening.

2. Name change

The cinema was renamed ABC in 1962, almost thirty years after opening. Photo: Lost Places & Forgotten Faces

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The abandoned building is covered in rubble, with dozens of holes throughout the structure.

3. Rubble-filled rooms

The abandoned building is covered in rubble, with dozens of holes throughout the structure. Photo: Lost Places & Forgotten Faces

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in 1976 it was divided into three screens, modernising the cinema for locals.

4. Wakefield's own

in 1976 it was divided into three screens, modernising the cinema for locals. Photo: Lost Places & Forgotten Faces

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Related topics:WakefieldCineworld