Suspected arson destroys historic cinema building

The former cinema was described as "a distinctive art deco building"

A listed former cinema which historians said "reflected the glamour and excitement" of the 1930s talking picture era has been destroyed in a suspected arson.

The Victoria Suite in Smethwick, which was constructed as a cinema about 95 years ago, caught fire on Sunday.

More than 50 firefighters were called to Windmill Lane after smoke was seen billowing from the derelict four-storey building.

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) later said the blaze was believed to have been started deliberately.

Firefighters worked to stop nearby buildings and retail units being at risk from flames.

Crews returned to the building on Sunday evening after several small hotspots were found but the incident was later closed.

The building was listed as Grade II by Historic England, which called it a good example of a large super cinema from the earliest years of films with sound, known as "talkies", adding it had many original features.

The cinema was built in 1929 to 1930, according to Historic England, and opened as the Rink cinema on the site, which was converted from an ice rink and replaced a cinema from 1912.

After closing as the Gaumont in 1964, it was later operated as a Mecca Bingo.

Police had warned people to stay away from the area after the fire broke out

“We are very sad to hear about the fire at the Grade II listed Mecca Bingo Club in Smethwick," said a Historic England spokesperson.

"The distinctive art deco building reflected the glamour of the cinema bringing the excitement of talking pictures to the area in the 1930s.

"It was a valued and characterful addition to Smethwick town centre and will be a big loss to the community.”

Its features included an "extremely wide" double height art deco auditorium, according to Historic England, as well as two columns supporting the former projection room over its rear balcony.