Midland “Red” Depots and Garages in Nuneaton
Nuneaton (“Empire”) garage
“Empire”, Leicester Road, Nuneaton.
- Built as Empire Skating Rink, opened on Friday 10th December 1909, and closed on Saturday 21st May 1910.
- Re-opened as Empire Electric Theatre and Music Hall on Monday 30th April 1910, closed 9th March 1912.
- Re-opened as Vint’s Electric Picturedrome on 9th April 1912, closed 31st June 1913. Used for occasional light entertainment acts and films under new management until permanent closure on Saturday 22nd May 1915.
- Site converted to garage and occupied by Nuneaton Motor Company, used for storage of motor vehicles on behalf of other parties.
- Site rented by Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Company Limited (BMMO—Midland “Red” Motor Services) from June 1932, to provide additional capacity for Nuneaton (Coton Road) depot.
- Used to accommodate up to 12 single-deck vehicles.
- Unused by BMMO from the end of December 1934, with the newly built Hinckley depot providing the required additional capacity in the area.
- Used as car showroom from May 1937.
- Used as “Liquid & Envy” Nightclub and Snooker Hall from 1970s.
- Building refitted as “Empire Gym Studios” gym and fitness centre c. 2014.