La Scala Cinema (Former), Keith Street, Hamilton

Opened 1921. Art deco classical with Italianate touches. Brick and white faience with marble steps. Symmetrical front, broad tripartite portico stretched between low towers, two Corinthianesque columns with palm-tree shafts set within 2 rectangular piers with beaded panels, central name panel in crosswork parapet. 3 doors divided by anta in architrave frame, windows in outer bays. Towers pilastered with outer doors in architraves, bipartites over and recessed open top stages with broad-eaved pyramidal roofs.

Good, relatively unspoilt pilastered and segmentally ceiled auditorium with gallery, stage blocked off mid 1970s, richly architraved segmental proscenium arch with central cartouche. (Historic Scotland)

June 2008: Listed Building Consent was previously granted for retention and renovation of the facade, with demolition of the remainder of the building and erection of extension to form entertainment complex, Sept 2005 ref: HM/ 04/0802.

12 June 2008: The Hamilton Advertiser reports on plans to demolish the building and erect an office block in its place.

June 2010: External inspection finds a fine facade in fairly poor condition, the remainder of the complex having been demolished to enable redevelopment. No re-development works are in evidence at this time, but it is understood the facade is capable of incorporation into a new structure.

February 2012: A member of the public advises demolition of the remainder of the auditorium is underway. Local planners confirm stabilisation of the facade is being carried out by the Council. The timber pergolas are being removed for repair, after which they will be reinstalled.

14 July 2013: External inspection finds the facade has been stablised.

17 January 2018: Planning application for demolition of redundant cinema withdrawn (ref: HM/06/XO845).

1 October 2021: Listed building consent (P/21/1353) being sought for repairs and alteration of existing facade and erection of residential development (23 flatted units), associated amenity space.

10 December 2021: Planning permission (P/21/1350) being sought for erection of residential development (23 flatted units), associated amenity space and repairs and alteration of existing façade.