| The Rialto Cinema in Gray’s Lane, Lochee, which more recently was a bingo hall, is one of around 40 lots at an auction in Glasgow tomorrow.
Though there are strict planning rules governing the historic cinema, the building could be in line for redevelopment.
The auction catalogue states, “The premises could be suitable for a variety of alternative uses, capitalising on its prominent location, subject to any necessary consents being obtained.
“Alternatively, redevelopment might be feasible if the constraints of a B Listing can be overcome.”
Built in 1926, it was a rectangular-plan cinema of the “atmospheric” type, with a Mexican-style exterior and Chinese interior. The cinema once seated more than 1100 people in an auditorium “decorated in the manner of a Chinese garden, with red, black and gold murals”.
The orchestra sat on a garden bridge, while the projection box was constructed in the shape of a face with the light coming from the eyes.
Historic Scotland’s records of the building note that outlines of painted dragons and scrolls are still visible on the ceiling, although they had been painted over.
A former hotel site on the corner of Old Pitkerro Road and Longhaugh Road is also to be sold tomorrow by SVA Property Auctions.
The lot is described as a “substantial parcel of woodland, previously the site of the now-demolished Longhaugh Hotel”, and has a guide price of £75,000 to £80,000.
The Dighty wildlife area sits on the opposite side of Old Pitkerro Road, while the adjacent former Longhaugh Quarry has recently been the subject of environmental improvements.
The 4.75-acre site is covered by mature trees and scrub, and is the subject of a local authority tree preservation order.
It “may be suitable for a variety of development uses”.
Other lots include a former library in Kirkcaldy and Main Lodge near Alyth. |
