The Kingsway, Kings Heath - A Birmingham Gem!

The Kingsway was a cinema in Kings Heath from 1925 to 1980, then bingo hall until 2007. Arson in 2011, partial demolition in 2018. Was Outdoor at the Kingsway from 2020 to 2022.


Where was The Kingsway?

The Kingsway was at 69 High Street, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7BH

 

In brief

A cinema that was opened in Kings Heath in 1925. The Kingsway remained a cinema until it closed in 1980. It was then converted into a bingo hall. A use it had until it closed for good in 2007. By 2011 a severe fire, later resulted in the demolition of the rear of the building, saving only the façade in 2018. In 2020, Outdoor at the Kingsway opened, using the land at the rear for an open air market and outside cinema.

The KingswayThe Kingsway in Kings Heath (December 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Kingsway - history

The Kingsway Cinema opened on 2nd March 1925 with Clara Bow in "Down to the Sea in Ships".

Seating was provided in stalls and circle.

Towards the end of its cinematic life it was taken over by the Essoldo circuit.

It closed on 3rd May 1980 with John Huston in "The Bermuda Triangle" and the documentary feature "Encounter with Disaster".

It was converted into a bingo club.

It was in use as Gala Bingo Club until the mid 2000s when it closed down for good.

It was boarded up by 2009.

The KingswayThe Kingsway in Kings Heath (December 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

There was a severe fire in 2011, this led to the rear of the building getting demolished, but retaining the façade in 2018.

The KingswayRear demolition at The Kingsway in Kings Heath (February 2018). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

By 2020-21, the former cinema site had a new life with an Outdoor cinema and market at the back. Under the name Outdoor at The Kingsway.

Outdoor at the KingswayOutdoor at The Kingsway in Kings Heath (July 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Outdoor at the Kingsway closed down in late 2022, and as of 2023, the building is awaiting redevelopment into a new cinema or housing?

The KingswayOutdoor at The Kingsway in Kings Heath (April 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

Project dates

23 Apr 2022 - On-going

Passions

History & heritage, Travel & tourism, Classic Architecture

Contact

Your Place Your Space

Jonathan Bostock

0121 410 5520
jonathan.bostock@ yourplaceyourspace.com