URBAN explorers have taken a peek inside one of Bournemouth’s most iconic buildings and have revealed its stunning features remain in good condition.
The Grand in Westbourne, a former cinema and bingo hall, is a 1920s Grade II listed building which has remained untouched since it closed in January last year.
Representatives of urban exploring groups including Abandoned Seekers, WhatYouAfter and Tazer Urbex were given permission by landlords to have a look around the Poole Road building.
They made an 11-minute video which has since been posted on YouTube.
They are seen exploring the bingo hall itself as well as store rooms, a small stage and even the roof.
They discovered artwork, statues on the roof and boxes full of unused bingo tickets.
Their findings are in stark contrast to the dilapidated state in which explorers found the former Odeon and ABC cinemas in Westover Road.
Matt Hicks of Abandoned Seekers told the Daily Echo: “ The Grand in Westbourne has been empty since January last year and it is quite an iconic building of its time.
“It was built in 1922 and was owned by ABC and used as a cinema until 1977. It was then used as a bingo hall until it closed.
“We didn’t realise they were going to allow us to go up on to the roof so it was good to see the ornate statues.
“We also saw the original pulleys which we were told lowered the band down from the ceiling many years ago.”
Mr Hicks said the building is not for sale but is currently available to rent.
Abandoned Seekers are based in Dorset and regularly post videos of empty or abandoned buildings in the area. They have recently been inside the two old cinemas and in Cattistock House near Dorchester.
You can see the full video at https://youtu.be/kEKQWyOjhnQ
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