New owners pledge to revive landmark pavilion hall

New owners plan to turn Selsey Pavilion into a community arts and heritage centre

An art deco theatre in West Sussex which closed as a cinema 50 years ago is to be revived.

Selsey Pavilion, which was built in 1913, has come into the ownership of a trust which wants to restore and reopen it.

The building closed in 1974 when it was let to an aviation catering firm for use as a packing facility.

Selsey Pavilion Trust chairman Christian Skelton said taking control of the building was the culmination of "years of careful planning and considerable fundraising".

“This is the first step in the restoration and revival of Selsey’s remarkable art deco landmark,” he said.

“We have long dreamt about bringing live entertainment, cinema and local heritage together in Selsey. Now that we have the keys, that dream is becoming a reality."

In its heyday, Selsey Pavilion was a multi-purpose entertainment venue which hosted community events and many famous performers.

'Beating heart'

After 1945 it became a full-time cinema, with popular Saturday matinees for children.

It also hosted seasonal pantomimes before closing in the mid-70s.

The trust, which plans to turn it into a multi-purpose arts and heritage centre, has received grants, including from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Selsey Town Council and Chichester District Council.

Mr Skelton said: “We have a long way to go, but owning the Pavilion brings us closer to making it the beating heart of Selsey’s High Street again."