History of Balestra nightclub building in Northampton in pictures
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Jan 2019, 06:02 BST
Updated 10th Jan 2019, 14:53 BST
Much excitement has been generated by the news of plans to convert the former Balestra nightclub on the Market Square into a Cosmo Restaurant.
Here we look back at the history of the imposing building from it's beginnings as a corn exchange / music hall to the latest architects' plans.
Chicago Rock Cafe
Constructed originally as a building where farmers could sell corn, the hall was built at a cost of 8,000 and was 59ft high. It was envisaged that concerts would be held in the hall.
Already given over full-time to the showing of films in 1920, it was first renamed the Exchange Cinema and in 1950 became The Gaumont. This photograph of a projectionist was taken in July 1962.
Bought by the Rank organisation, the cinema became the Odeon in 1964. This photo was taken in the foyer on August 13, 1966 before Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines.
It's October 26, 1967 and the Northampton Mayoress, possibly Mrs T H Dockrell, receives toys on behalf of charities in the Odeon Cinema foyer
