Faded Glory...

In October 1936 a super-cinema in Stretford opened its doors for the first time. 'The Longford' was created by Salford born architect Henry Elder at the height of Art Deco fashion. Its unique 'cash register' frontage was designed to symbolise the business aspect of show business. Featuring sound-proofing, under-seat heating and air-conditioning with a foyer floored in venetian marble, it was a revolution in cinema design. This fabulous building lies on the junction of Edge Lane and Chester Road in Stretford, Manchester. The cinema was bought by the 'Essoldo Circuit' in 1950, renaming it 'The Stretford Essoldo' and continued to run the business for another fifteen years. The decline in the cinema industry during the 1960's eventually led to its closure and Ladbrokes subsequently opened the building as a bingo hall. The building was acquired by The Rank Group in 1986 who reopened as 'The Top Rank Club'; another bingo hall. The building was Grade II listed in the mid 1990's by 'English Heritage'. Due to falling profits the building closed in 1995 with ownership changing hands in January 1997 to a business man from Sale. Although speculation for the building's future have included rumours of a gym and health club and an ice-skating rink, nothing has come to fruition and this former giant of local entertainment remains silent.