ABC Cinema Wakefield DAYS LATER IT WAS DEMOLISHED ;-(

The Regal Cinema was designed by Associated British Cinemas(ABC) in-house architect William R. Glen, and opened on 9th December 1935. It has a town centre location on Kirkgate at the corner of Sun Lane facing into, and visible from, the town centre.
Not as large as some later ABC houses the Regal Cinema accommodated 1,594 but had a full stage 26 feet deep behind the 43 feet wide proscenium. The interior was rather plainer than many of Glen’s cinema designs with concealed lighting under the balcony and at the rear of the ceiling and pendant fittings casting light upwards towards the front of the cinema.
It was renamed ABC in 1962 and became a triple operation from 11th November 1976 with screen 1 seating 532 in the balcony using the original screen and projection suite and screen 2 (236 seats) and 3 (170 seats) in the rear stalls area.
It was taken over by Cannon Cinemas chain in April 1986, and was renamed Cannon. It closed in 1997 as the ABC following the Cineplex multi-screen cinema opening in December 1996 and has been empty and ‘For Sale’. A covenant restricting its use to film exhibition has been the reason the site has not been redeveloped or alternative uses found for the ever deteriorating building. The building was acquired by Wakefield Council. In late-July 2021, despite protests, the Council passed a resolution that the building would be demolished.
Contributed by Ian Grundy on this site: cinematreasures.org/theaters/3787
My Instagram: / mattswilli (no private messages please)
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email me at [e-mail]
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Also present on this explore were
Beface Computing - / befacecomputinglifts
Luke
Equipment used:
DJI Mavic Zoom DRONE
Sony A7s ii with Samyang 14mm full frame lens
Dji Pocket 2 camera
Insta 360x R
BOBLOV 32GB Ambarella A7L50 Bodyworn Infra Red Camera
Adobe Premiere Pro 2020
Ryzen 5950X
65GB Ram
Windows 10 (No Apple shiz here)
Nvidia RTX 3950 GFX
#Abandonedplaces #Abandonedplacesuk #urbexuk #undergroundbunker #urbexexploration #urbex_europe_ #urbextreme #urbexphotography #DerelictBuildings #frozenintime #timecapsule
#abandoned

[@davidwright7923]

What a shame I spent some great times in here at the ABC Minors in the 1950s on sat mornings also notice from the drone shots Chantry House has gone where I worked in the 1980s this is my home town but I live in East Yorks now and didn’t realise these had gone a big part of my life thanks for posting.

[@Yorkmedia1]

Hi secret vault it’s nice to see that your in my city filming abc cinema Wakefield I’m glad you did this i campaigned for it not to be demolished but unfortunately we lost the fight I’m really happy that people like you make theses videos so people never forget about theses buildings a great tearful video 🎮🎲🕹

[@TheSecretVault]

Such a shame that the OWNERS being Wakefield Council would do nothing to make this place look nicer and left it get toi such a state that the only option was to demolish it. Putting up gaudy green gauze blowing in the wind was probably done on purpose to make it look like a construction site. The holes in the roof looked created on purpose for the flooding of the building. Funny how this always seems to happen and a few sheets of plyboard and some plastic can never be found by councils... thgis would have kept the building dry. You would think the council would have access to this stuff. Hmmmm. Well sadly the building has bit the dust and by all accounts all that is going to replace this cinema is GRASS. Wonderful planning there. Lets get rid of 100 years of history for some grass.

[@Yorkmedia1]

@@TheSecretVault I think your right it’s been left deliberately left in a bad state it’s a shame but Wakefield council just don’t care about our history or our classic buildings

[@Bitsanddoings]

I always wanted to see inside that theatre in its glory days, I’ve always liked the look of the building shame the markets now gone and there going to knockdown most of the ridings to modernise it, Wakefield council is the worst a lot like Kirklees, i would have loved to see it back to its former glory and been used what it was built for even if it was made so local dance and performances groups could use it. I’m from Wakefield as well they’ve ruined the town that’s why no elderly shop there my grandma won’t even go into Wakefield anymore only to catch bus to the hospital, she would rather get her friend to take her to Halifax for the market and Barnsley.

[@kennethgardner3310]

Could you understand zee council were I live replaced a art deco frontage a lovely frontage..and to get rid of it the built a extension smashing off the frontage to put up a two story brick build now it's a none discript storage

[@ncot_tech]

How about a conspiracy that if this building has a covenant that says it can only be used as a theatre, doing anything to reopen it would compete with the other theatre in town, and the big cinema in the retail park. So accidentally the desire to keep it only as a theatre has doomed it.

[@TheCaffeineKid]

I watched so many movies here. All the Back to the Future films, Terminator 2, Jurassic Park, Roger Rabbit, etc etc so many memories. It's the end of an era seeing this be turned to rubble is so sad.

[@MelJ44]

Aww awesome Matt nothing on youtube atm Good too have your vid pop up 😀

[@paulkandi]

Great film guys, but another bit of history gone, well done for recording it.

[@numberonefan4699]

I remember going in there to see movies.when I was a kid. THANK YOU MATT for the last look around the place. I will really miss that place 😞

[@kennethbarker852]

1st class video to watch thank you take care kind regards from me kenneth

[@scottenigma5894]

Something decent to watch, thanks Matt. Always had a huge appreciation of your work

[@Dinkum_Aussie]

Thank you for recording this, for prosperity and historical records. Such a shame for these grand old theatre’s to just be laid to waist! “The Heat is Mong’s” 😆👍 That’s a new remix I didn’t know about! Love the great escape at the end! 😎👍

[@TheSecretVault]

We were v ery lucky to get away.

[@adams7351]

Great explore, thanks Matt 👍

[@SionynJones]

Can't wait for more cinemas and theaters. Great video mat.

[@astonmartin8706]

AirForce One was released on 12th September 1997 . Hunchback was released in July 19th1996 . Cineworld Wakefield opened in December 1996 so the management of the ABC circuit must have battled for 9 months to keep it open but to no avail .it did shut by October 1997. It was converted into 3 screens in 1976 The main screen of 532 seats was in the balcony and it utilised the main projection screen within the proscenium.. Screens 2 and 3 were underneath the balcony with 236 and 170 seats respectively and a projection booth was constructed to cover both screens. Digital projection was never used as this didn’t start to come in until 2004. At 48.30 the side door you mention was constructed when the 2 auditoriums under the balcony were constructed . There is one on the other side. Fire regulations dictated that you must have at least 2 fire exits from all auditoriums that were built when these 1930s single screen cinemas were doubled or tripled in the 70s. Finally as this cinema was on its last legs , the cinema would have been equipped with Dolby Stereo ( Spectral being common ) with additional side speakers located in the proscenium grills and a couple on the back walls but none on the side walls .it probably was never upgraded to the DTS and SDDS sound systems which came out in the mid 90s I could see no evidence of speakers that would have been fitted on the side walls had that been the case. Also a lot of the electrical equipment ie rectifiers are pre 1976 conversion and were defunct . It’s more than likely was the equipment used when it was a theatre in the 60s

[@Cjbx11]

The downstairs projection room was built for screens 2 and 3 that were built in the stalls area under the circle in the 1970s. The upstairs was the original projection room and later used for Screen 1 which used the circle seating and original screen

[@H9Gamings]

So the council only allowed building to be used for film exhibition but because no one wanted it due to their restrictions they decided to demolish it instead of changing the usage, what a waste, anyone else think a few brown envelopes got given to some people.

[@johnlesliegammon]

Super video.... I worked for ABC/Odeon for many years in management @ Lincoln Bogner Minehead Skegness Coventry Leicester Nottingham Oxford Western Super mare Hastings Sutton Coldfield Birmingham Mansfield plus many more... great days... it was very sad to see the demise of traditional cinema buildings... then they placed me in the new cattle shed multiplexes dreadful places...

[@gaynor3976]

Thanks for sharing your explore with us. Good to see Jordan with you too. Lots of history in that building for sure. Xx

[@Yorkmedia1]

Your right it never did make it digital that’s why they built cinema world I use to go to that cinema when I was a kid in 70s in my early adulthood last film I ever watched was aire force one yes I have used the toilets in that cinema

[@Peachers]

Poor old shakey wakey! the amount of films i watched there as a kid 😥

[@margaretparker8781]

Loved the vlog margaret

[@PlantAgent]

Brill vid matt 👍 I'm loving your drone work too mate ❤ thank you x

[@SimonNemeth]

As of today it is still standing but they removed the roof over the last week.

[@TheSecretVault]

Thankss for the update. Do you have any pics... email if you do.

[@exploringmetaldetecting5989]

thank in joy watch as all ways good stuff u do.did get ur ladder back matt

[@columbo7927]

Interesting Matthew Thank you

[@chelle-fallen-angel]

Matt this was amazing. You are brilliant at what you do. First class explore with history and drone footage to boot. I also admire your knowledge of things. Its very endearing to hear you explain things things to Jordan as well. LEGEND!

[@softwareking7934]

Hi, Lads very good video I made a little video myself as I live just across the road from the cinema and remember going in the 70s & 8os they have just started with the bulldozer on 7/8/2022 its a pitty really as it is a lovely art deco building, Anyway lads thanks for your brill video, 😊👍👌

[@stephenthrower1403]

Thanks for filming this! Really brings back memories. I watched so many horror films there in the early 1980s, by which time it was divided into three screens: the upper seating area for the big screen, and two smaller screens tucked away in what used to be the stalls. For any horror obsessives out there, here are a few of the films that played in 1981/82... 1981 THE BROOD + ZOMBIES, DAWN OF THE DEAD (June) THE FUNHOUSE + MY BLOODY VALENTINE (October) ALTERED STATES (October) DEAD AND BURIED (October) THE DEVILS (November) SCANNERS + SHUDDER (December) THE ELEPHANT MAN (December) EXORCIST 2: THE HERETIC (December) 1982 LIFE OF BRIAN + AIRPLANE (January) WOLFEN + EYES OF A STRANGER (January) ALIEN + THE FOG (January) THE BEYOND + SHOCK (January) AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON (February) TOURIST TRAP (February) GHOST STORY (February) EATEN ALIVE (March) HALLOWEEN 2 + THE ERRAND (March) CHRISTIANE F. (April) THE FINAL CONFLICT + ALIEN (April) MAD MAX 2 (April) ZOMBIE FLESH-EATERS (May - midnight show) ROSEMARY’S KILLER (May) BRITANNIA HOSPITAL (June) THE EXTERMINATOR (June) THE ELEPHANT MAN (June) THE HOWLING + PROM NIGHT (July) VISITING HOURS + ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK (July) CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD (July) HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME (July) DEATH WEEKEND (August) POLTERGEIST (September)

[@Vroom-Vroom.]

"fuck the history we need more money and flats money money money gagagagagagagagagag"

[@sarahillingworth2718]

remember going to see a film called All dogs Go to Heaven here when I was 8 years old with a youth group 😱

[@nickrussell4801]

I loved this cinema, had many fun nights watching the movies. So sad to see it’s demise

[@paulbetsworth4047]

THE BEST CHANNEL ON KZbin, love you Matt in a non gay way 😂

[@TheSecretVault]

And theres nothing I can do about it lol...

[@paulbetsworth4047]

@@TheSecretVault let me come on an explore with you and we shall see lol... pleeeeaaaasseee

[@Yorkmedia1]

Thank you guys you made me a happy man by filming this old ABC cinema in my own city of Wakefield

[@TheSecretVault]

Your welcome. We seemed to cheer up nopsey neighbour who tried taking a photo of us through her window with her flash on. Thatll be a great picture of herself in the reflection of the window. Lol.

[@Yorkmedia1]

@@TheSecretVault that’s true mate

[@GlitterBayBe]

Nice to see it before it's gone , awesome Matt 🙌🥰

[@Stainless316L]

Jane MacDonald might remember that place lol

[@BlytheWorld1972]

Will enjoy this!

[@MathewBall]

Air Force One was a 1997 film starring Harrison Ford who played the American President.

[@philiphirst1310]

I loved going here as a kid in the 90s thanks for bringing back the memories

[@safari3608]

What a shame not often you see cinemas with such character it will be sadly missed! When councils aren't getting money from these places they seem to get rid of anything that doesn't make them money!

[@markh9308]

Good explore Matt u been going to lidls to much when it’s gone it’s gone great viewing enjoyed watching great explore 👍👍👍👍

[@Yorkmedia1]

I just want to thank you and your team for making this video it was decided in 2021 to demolish the regal cinema

[@TheSecretVault]

Such a shame. I am told Wilco and that whole areas is being demolished for a grass park. Errrrrm. Do what. The plans are out there apparently... Check out this crap here its the PDF: tinyurl.com/hrs2je37

[@safari3608]

URL HAS EXPIRED MATT!

[@MsWinnieWitch]

Good to see it before it's gone. Thank you Matthew 🥰

[@venus6728]

Omg I wood of love to go here with u I live in wakey and I remember going to see the first Batman film there its so different now it had blue carpets and metal handrails that was so nice and there was two pitcher rooms

[@strongmocha8564]

What a shame. Thanks for showing us this Matt. I only went once as a kid but always wanted to go in and see what it was like after closure.

[@andrewkiwi1]

The drop would give you time to think on the way down. SPLATT! I'm not good with heights either! Its a fascinating place. It must have been nice when it was new. Good to see it before it was torn down. Awesome video guys.

[@Yorkmedia1]

Welcome to Wakefield secret vault

[@OGGalleryCrew92]

Yorkshire, God's County So They Say !

[@simonthecatman209]

It's a lovely place to visit

[@Trish1]

Fantastic video Matt - another lovely old cinema with so many great features. Such a shame it has to go but well done for showing us round before it does. Don’t blame you for not walking across ... it was a long way down😱 Brilliant escape but need to know - did you get your ladder back?!! 👍👍

[@jamesbarber3164]

Brilliant explore as usual Matt, such a shame it’s going but glad to see it before they started dismantling it.

[@matthewh5862]

Excellent explore that with bonus old bill action at the end!

[@mrcrazyjonpresents4312]

I heard that it was going a few weeks back but thought it would be saved last minute The fly tower was as high as the Palace Theatre's in Plymouth and even though it looks like it was sealed away for years and forgotten when in operation probably was even stronger right up top of it than the Palaces today which is in a hell of a state It's so sad to see that all that stuff inside i'e the lighting bars etc still hanging will go with the building as it was demolished Stuff like that should of been saved as it managed to stay in situ all those years it was not used Great vid love the cinema ones

[@TheSecretVault]

Yes this was a true theatre design even though it was supposed to be a cinema from inception. I guess they wanted to keep options up for dual use. After all the Beatles did play here!

[@OGGalleryCrew92]

44:06 Can remember about 6 of us all going to see Trainspotting before going out clubbing in 1996, Air Force 1 Was 1997, If you had gone up the street towards the Halifax bank there was the old night club and McDonalds that have been abandoned for about 20 years too, Been wanting to see inside there for years thanks for showing us ! Respect Secret Vault ! Average responce time is 20 Minutes for the fuzz from Normanton Havertop Lane Hq, That Drone footage of Wakefield is amazing mate love how you can see Emley Moor transmitting station in the back ground,

[@JasonJohnson-yu8zf]

Emley moor, the sign of being nearly home for most of us West Yorkshire folk

[@MathewBall]

Great explore of yesteryear, Matt. I was wondering if those black circles next to the screen were speakers or lighting at some point?

[@TheSecretVault]

Maybe speakers.

[@smartrain1]

Certainly not speakers. There would have been just the one intitally installed behind the screen. I imagine their purpose was for decoration, and very nice they looked as well, right up to the end it seems.

[@megamills150]

Excellent explore matt nice one 👍👍💯

[@Yorkmedia1]

It’s not demolished it’s still stood I filmed it to day I’ll be putting up the video up on Sunday I hope can watch it

[@TheSecretVault]

Maybe you need to tell them theres a baby pidgeon which needs to be removed.

[@Yorkmedia1]

@@TheSecretVault it’s really funny there’s no a equipment on site

[@OLIFAB]

Fantastic video Matt! Did you get your ladder back? Shame they demolished the building 😢

[@TheSecretVault]

yes drove around and picked it up.

[@DavidMantle139]

These buildings fascinate me, designed to take you out of the mundane every day into a palace of movie dreams. It would be nice to live in a time where buildings like this are being created not torn down, everything is superficial, all ugly drop ceilings and dry wall . Sad to that these buildings are seen as a problem not an asset. Awesome explore.

[@JasonJohnson-yu8zf]

Nice to see an explore in an area I'm kind of familiar with. Matt, did you get any filming from the other 2 locations you mentioned you were going to? I see Taffy has been to the college in Huddersfield, did you join him? (Haven't watched his video yet)

[@kennethgardner3310]

Best of regal...yipppeee

[@weyayemanjoe3082]

Nice one matt 👍

[@angelacook1533]

So sad to see these old buildings go, great explore xx

[@turkinchagirl]

Saturday morning cinema show in the 1950's!

[@trams66]

That wood and crap you walked over to get to the projector room was the demolished screen 2 so when you opened that door there would have been steps that took you into screen 2. There is a video on KZbin shot in 2008 and he goes in there and films it. I’m obsessed with old cinemas and repeatedly what your videos 👌 yes I’m a sad bastard🤔

[@SimonNemeth]

I believe it fell down as opposed to being demolished.

[@robharrison1252]

Spent many years has a kid going there with my parents and grandparents to watch films brill video guys brings back memories

[@kernow..exp.]

Another great explorer mate and of course now history

[@MrHarney]

such a shame... thx for sharing this.... like Kerplunk on them boards ..this is councils for you they don't care ..shame on them

[@Lee-eu6wf]

I really enjoying this thank you Secret Vault

[@mcall241]

they have just started to demolish it now

[@Yorkmedia1]

Upstairs in screen one was never brcked up yes they had two projector booths in screen one and projector room in screen two and three

[@philipbayliss5911]

Brought back lots of memories watching the video, I worked there just before it closed in 1997, shame you could'nt make it to the main offices they are above the entrance, it looked like the stairs have bee. Taken away, or collapsed, I've passed this video onto my mate who was the projectionist before it closed, well done guys . I'd of loved to have joined you, Id could have given you the guided tour..

[@TheSecretVault]

Getting a guided tour would have been amazing. If you and the projectionist want to come on a livestream and give us a commentary over the video, I would be happy to do this... next best thing to being there. Let me know here on on email [e-mail]

[@fredsimmons2793]

Matt ,our tribe is gaining all the hallmarks of a training school for cat burgler certification! The vistas that open up by carrying a collapsible ladder in ones kit is remarkable! This was a keeper lads, be safe!

[@Lee-eu6wf]

Love a good cinema mission with the Ladder 😍 best show in town

[@paulyh4531]

Same thing happened in Crawley (where you visited recently ) the old cinema which I went to as a kid that was a listed building ended up being demolished , they only kept the front of it and is now a eating place ! 😞

[@100SteveB]

So sad when you look back at the queues going down the street back in the 70's. We seem to be building things around the other way these days, in the past big shops, cinemas, swimming pools etc all used to be built in the heart of the community - in the towns themselves. With the housing radiating away around the towns with new estates etc. Now all the housing is being crammed into the centres, and all the big stores, cinemas and leisure centres are out on the outskirts.

[@heisenburger2502]

They ain’t knocking down the ridings I spent most of childhood there

[@SimonNemeth]

They want to knock parts of it down as parts of the redevelopment of Kirkgate.

[@heisenburger2502]

@@SimonNemeth as long as they don’t make it look terrible then am all for it

[@paulwilk69]

Saw star wars there with my dad in 1977, happy days. Shame it's being demolished .

[@TheSecretVault]

Now thats a movie to remember seeing in a classic cinema.

[@juliahoyt3162]

I made it to first tonight again yay.

[@JoJo-yt1ys]

I dint blame u Matt. I wouldnt go up higher than that.

[@Lee-eu6wf]

Airforce one 1997

[@exploringharley]

Hey Matt Canada is still up 😜

[@TheSecretVault]

Canada? You mean early hours of the morning I take it. Cool.

[@poddi63]

Found videos from 2008 on YT on this place. I love these cinema video's and what amazing places, not like the boring cinema's we see nowadays being built.

[@thomasrudd4347]

Great vid, other piece of history destroyed. Such a lovely building demolished😞

[@thestormseeker]

Don't be too sad, this is why you do what you do.

[@TheSecretVault]

I want them to keep places like this though. Wetherspoons is the only company withthe balls to take on old buildings like this and give them a new life.

[@thestormseeker]

@@TheSecretVault Aye, seems to be the general process these days, let it sit and rot for a decade or so and then use that as an excuse to not renovate.

[@mrhairypalm5006]

👍🏻

[@BlytheWorld1972]

Seeing the Little baby bird was so sad you said it right birds.. do live a very scant life, poor soul just sitting in that mess waiting on its mother coming back .. :( lets hope she did.

[@davep5972]

Such a crime that there knocking that down so sad. Great explore Matt

[@paultodd533]

Several people over the years have mentioned tunnels beneath Ipswich Town centre . I have been told Fore Street, Christchurch mansion and near the station.Does any one know if there are any tunnels and if so where ?. Matt ain't got your e mail

[@matthewwilliamsbroll3007]

my email is on every video description

[@rosssouthall9345]

Hi Matt great video its a shame that another part of local history is torn down but that the local conceal for you modem and ugly rather than preserve

[@kennethrotherforth6876]

Go to the oke pub wakefield

[@TheSecretVault]

Check out the crappy planning idea that replaces this historic art deco cinema. Plans drawn up by a child with a highlighter marker. Clearly a master ART DECO PLANNER ROFL... wankers eh: tinyurl.com/hrs2je37

[@exploringmetaldetecting5989]

be good if can recod them on cam take it down love seen how would take apart

[@exploringmetaldetecting5989]

when was 18 work in bristol oden top rank was good old day .love it

[@BlurayBen]

R.I.P. THE BABY BIRD 🐦

[@TheSecretVault]

yup never had a chance.

[@nettyvoyager6336]

but you climbed up a tower a thousand feet in the air the other day with no safty harness but you cant walk on a iron beamed roof i don't see the mycology there but hey I'm just a realist

[@Lee-eu6wf]

What tower 🤔

[@thejoneseys]

Another thoroughly well done job and perfect timing 👌🏻 Such a shame this couldn't be repurposed but the council just want their business rates or council tax. Can't believe that nosey neighbor in the flat phoned the fuzz. It's being demolished so who cares. I'd have waved at you 😂😂😂 Honestly, some people!

[@TheSecretVault]

She wanted her five minutes of fame. She got it but no the way she wanted.

[@Lee-eu6wf]

She gets to watch a block of flats being built now 😒

[@ChiefBr0dy]

You must've just missed all the weed cultivation what was going on in there....Pretty big bust.

[@Rigger127]

ABC minors 1956.

[@felixscamp]

The screen is tilted for a projection reason, it’s lashed to the rigging & will never move

[@Yorkmedia1]

Has you walked into the cinema through the front doors on the right they sold popcorn drinks etc on the left ticket office the steps down to screen 2 and three 3 screen 1 up stairs don’t forget it’s 1930s cinema

[@fredsimmons2793]

The council should use your work as a training guide to show the citizens just why and how much work it is going to cost to clean up 75 years of having fun!

[@doubtingthomas736]

😂 3 confused cyclists, each with a torch on their heads wondering why they've been thrown into the back of a meat wagon! 😂

[@jessicad83]

First lol!

[@TheSecretVault]

Second yay

[@jessicad83]

@@TheSecretVault ❤

[@glennpkirby]

I was a Projectionists there in the 80s best years of my life, very sad to see it in this state, wonder where the ghost gentleman will go?