Ilam Theatre, Ilam Road, near the corner of Clyde Road, Christchurch
Ilam Theatre, Ilam Road, near the corner of Clyde Road, Christchurch
[1960]
Built to serve the most rapidly-growing suburbs of Christchurch, the project was first mooted after the Second World War when housing development in the area had barely started. This failed because of building restrictions and lack of a good site. Later the scheme was relaunched because it was felt that the theatre would be popular as it gave an alternative to long trips into town and the parking problems in the city. The promoters let the contract to the W. Williamson Construction Company and the theatre opened on 25 July 1960. There was seating for 530 people and patrons bought their tickets at the pharmacy at 403 Ilam Road. The theatre closed because of dwindling patronage in 1969 and the building is occupied by shops in 2002. A 1939 Chevrolet coupé is parked outside the theatre
"The building is a shell of concrete masonry block supported by wide exposed castellated portal frames. The side walls have been left natural concrete grey which is an admirable foil to the gay tango ceiling with its Kentucky blue beams" -- The Press, 25 July 1960, p. 11
File Reference CCL-KPCD16-0092
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