Owner sought for former cinema and nightclub in Brierley Hill

The Art Deco structure, first opened more than 80 years ago, has been empty since the closure of the Pulse nightclub in 2014.

Commercial property agents Siddall Jones, which has its Black Country office in Dudley, has been appointed to find a new buyer and a way forward for the iconic building.

Ed Siddall-Jones, managing director of Siddall Jones, said: “After six years lying unused and unoccupied, it is in need of total refurbishment.

“It would ideally suit a use as an independent or art-house cinema, but I’m not sure there has been sufficient local support for that in the past. On the other hand, with work already under way on the planned extension of the Midland Metro tram service to Brierley Hill and Dudley, there is a strong prospect of major regeneration in this area.

“Indeed, the prospects for regeneration across the whole of the Black Country have increased markedly in recent years – hence our decision to open a second branch of Siddall Jones at King Charles House on Castle Hill, in Dudley.

“We believe in the future of the Black Country and are seeing increasing interest from outside the area from investors.

“What the old Danilo cinema needs is an imaginative new owner with vision, someone who can see the potential for revival or conversion to alternative uses – whether that is residential or commercial.

“The interior is in rather a sad state, after so many years of disuse, but this Art Deco structure provides a blank canvas for redevelopment.”

The Danilo cinema, located at 17 Dudley Road, offers 10,090 sq ft of space over three storeys. Currently the ground floor is laid out with a dance floor, seating area, reception lobby, bar areas and WC facilities. The first floor has a large balcony, kitchen, cloakroom, storage and more WC facilities.

To the rear of the premises is a car park which is accessed via Bank Street and provides space for approximately 12 vehicles.

It was opened in 1936 by the famous singer, actor, comic and ukulele player and remained as a cinema until 1969, when it followed the fate of many cinemas by converting to a bingo hall. From around 2000 it became a night club, operating as Eclipse, Oxygen and The Deep, which closed in 2008. It revived as Pulse nightclub in 2011 but closed three years later.

Designed by one of the leading cinema architects of his time, with its distinctive windows, the cinema has been locally listed by Dudley Council as a locally significant building that should be preserved and cared for.

“Given that it was opened by George Formby, it would be great if after refurbishment it ‘turned out nice again’ as the great man used to say,” said Mr Siddall-Jones.