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 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 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.
Rear 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 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?
Outdoor at The Kingsway in Kings Heath (April 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown