General Details and Location
Category
AT RISK
Name of Building
Victoria Halls
Other Name(s)
Jubilee Hall; Ritz Cinema
Address
88-94, High Street, Linlithgow
Locality
Postcode (click to find nearby buildings)
Planning Authority (click to search)
Divisional Area (click to search)
Reference No
1843
Listing Category
Unlisted
OS Grid Ref
NT 00296 77159
Location Type
Urban
HS Reference No
Description
Originally called the Jubilee Hall, the building was erected as a new town hall through public subscription. It displays a curious mix of Scots baronial and Germanic styling. The building's corbelled turrets and pinnacles were removed in 1937, when it was converted into the Ritz Cinema by Alexander Cattenach. The battlements, machiolations, niches, rope-mouldings and round-headed entranceway survive however.
Building Dates
1889
Architects
John Russell Walker
Category of Risk and Development History
Condition
Very Poor
Category of Risk
High
Exemptions to State of Risk
Field Visits
June 1995
October 1999
September 2006, October 1999, June 1995, September 2006, 01/05/2008
October 1999
September 2006, October 1999, June 1995, September 2006, 01/05/2008
Development History
23 December 1994: The Linlithgow Journal and Gazette reports that different developers have twice been refused permission to demolish the building, despite the recommendation of West Lothian planners. The future of the halls is now to be decided by Public Inquiry, starting on 24 January. The owner, a Mr Trevor Taylor Esq., claims the building is crumbling and that he does not possess the necessary funds for restoration, estimated at over £1 million. A plan for the Bank of Scotland to move into the ground floor premises has now fallen through.
31 January 1995: The Edinburgh Evening News reports that the owner's plans to demolish the halls to make way for houses and an office block have been condemned by 2 local councillors at the Public Inquiry. The safety and security of the building is reportedly checked by local planners at regular intervals, and there is concern that demolition may prove premature. Some councillors have expressed a hope that even if the main fabric is demolished, the façade can be retained and incorporated into the development. Part of the building continues to be used as an amusement arcade. A takeway restaurant also operates from the halls, the remainder of which lie empty.
17 February 1995: The Linlithgow Journal and Gazette reports that the Scottish Secretary has turned down the owner's appeal, who now intends to market the building.
10 March 1995: The Edinburgh Evening News reports that West Lothian Council Planning Committee is urging Historic Scotland to list the building. It is hoped to convert the halls into a community arts centre and theatre.
November 1996: The current owner markets the property as a potential cleared site open for development.
November 1998: The building remains on the market due to a high asking price. SCT receives information that West Lothian Council would consider redevelopment of an appropriate quality if it incorporated some of the existing gabric.
14 April 2000: The Linlithgow Gazette reports that the building currently holds Outline Planning Permission for conversion into a Christian teaching centre. However, another scheme to develop the building into a public house is also advanced. The latter scheme would retain the fabric and façade.
November 2000: A change of use application for the £1 million conversion of the halls into a J. D. Wetherspoons public house and restaurant is granted.
March 2003: Local planners report that Wetherspoons has now abandoned its purchase of the halls.
January 2006: linlithgow Advertiser reports tht Edinburgh -based property consultants Gioco is in the final stages of purchasing the Halls. They have plans to transform the Halls in to an upmarket, family oriented entertainment venue.
September 2006: External inspection shows building to remain boarded up.
April 2008: Linlithgow Advertiser reports that architects EK:JN have submitted a planning application on behalf of current owners, Gioco Leisure. The scheme would see the partial demolition of the building with a reconstructed building including a new courtyard, function rooms and space for a wide range of family leisure activities. It would also include new restaurant and cafe facilities which will accommodate the restaurant and taekaway business currently occupying parts of the building.
May 2008: External inspection finds the building to remain derelict. The moulded elements of the stonework on the front facade continue to deteriorate. Part of the inscription is almost illegible. The windows to the side and rooflights to the rear are all boarded or missing.
June 2008: Local Planners confirm the Victoria Halls rear section was subject to a dangerous buildings notice and demolition has commenced. The front section is not part of this and an application for Conservation Area Consent has been lodged. No application is lodged for a replacement building has been lodged as yet.
August 2010: External inspection finds the roof and much of the rear of the building have been demolished. The surviving front section largely intact. One window is boarded up and another is broken. Planning permission for erection of a 1993 sqm mixed use development (ref: 1084/FUL/08) was granted, with conditions, Jan 2010
Guides to Development
Conservation Area
Linlithgow Palace and High Street
Planning Authority Contact
PAC Telephone Number
01506 282413
Availability
Current Availability
Unknown
Appointed Agents
-
Price
Unknown
Occupancy
Vacant
Occupancy Type
N/A
Present/Former Uses
Cinema to Offices
Name of Owners
G and L Properties
Type of Ownership
Company
Information Services
Additional Contacts/Information Source
Bibliography
Dennison and Coleman (2000), p45; Jaques and McKean (1994), p15.
Online Resources
Classification
Civic and Public Buildings
Original Entry Date
26/06/1995
Date of Last Edit
13/09/2010
