Radio City

A community centre which occupies a C-listed former cinema which represents a notable landmark at Bridgend in the centre of Kilbirnie (North Ayrshire), Radio City provides much needed local facilities including a gym, sauna, cafe, internet facilities and a multi-purpose hall which offers regular exercise classes, together with other community events. The centre also provides a home for Garnock Valley FM (GVfm) the local community radio station. The initiative arose from a meeting in 1997 between politician Brian Wilson and a group of local teenagers who had stressed the need for community facilities in the town. Radio City was officially opened on the 1st March 2004 by HRH The Earl of Wessex

Originally opened in 1939, the Art Deco cinema building had an auditorium that once held 1200 people; 880 in the stalls and 320 on a raised platform to the rear. It is the only surviving cinema of two designed by local architect James Houston (1893 - 1966). The interior was originally lavishly furnished and painted with planets, stars and futuristic designs. Converted into a healthy living centre 2002-04 by Largs architect Paddy Cronin, its external Art Deco style was restored, with replicas of its original radio mast topped with a flashing beacon, blue neon lightning bolts and chrome eagle wings all included in the refurbishment.


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