THE demolition of the iconic Coliseum cinema in Porthmadog has been described as the ‘end of an era’.

Develop UK Northern Ltd started demolishing the Coliseum, which was built 85 years ago, at the beginning of the week.

Cllr Jason Humphreys said: “This is the end of an era. When the Coliseum was built in the 1930s, I’m sure it brought hope and glamour to Porthmadog which was reeling from the decline in the slate industry and shipping. “Today, we’re facing new challenges and must not allow the loss of the Coliseum to dash our hopes.”

The Coliseum opened on 20 July 1931 with a screening of ‘Romance’ with Greta Garbo. Seating was provided for 630 people in stalls and circle levels. The building also held a bingo night once a week in the 1970s.

The cinema closed in January 2011 and, despite campaign group Save the Coliseum holding several fund-raising events to re-open the venue, the building was put up for sale in 2013.

See this week’s Arfon/Dwyfor edition for the full story, in shops now or online by clicking the Digital Editions tab at the top of the page