It closed in 2000, and was largely forgotten about until the Kirkcaldy Kings Theatre Trust started the ambitious project to bring it back to life five years ago.
The cinema sits at the hear of a sprawling town centre complex which includes the YWCA – now the Kings Live Lounge – on the Esplanade, and a ballroom, which nestles between the buildings.
As work to install a robust temporary roof on the former cinema nears completion, we were given a tour inside to see the extent of the challenge that lies ahead in the bid to bring a once thriving building back into use.
As work to install a robust temporary roof on the former cinema nears completion, we were given a tour inside to see the extent of the challenge that lies ahead in the bid to bring a once thriving building back into use.
9. Inside Kirkcaldy's ABC Cinema
Looking down to the foyer from the top of the staircase shows some of the damage to the plasterwork, but the original 1904 marble staircase is still there under carpets and debris. Photo: Fife Free Press
10. Inside Kirkcaldy's ABC Cinema
This is Cinema 1 - the vast auditorium is in a sorry state and reduced to little more than a shell. The picture was taken from the back of the room, and looks down to where the giant screen used to be. Photo: Fife Free Press
11. Inside Kirkcaldy's ABC Cinema
The cinema forms part of a huge complex which is now under the control of the trust, Kirkcaldy Kings Theatre Limited . It includes the former ballroom, hidden between the picture house and the YWCA. The building has been bene cleared of all asbestos and rubble which had been piled high inside it. (Pic: John Murray) Photo: John Murray
12. Inside Kirkcaldy's ABC Cinema
Looking up inside the old ballroom underlines the extent of the damage done over the decades (Pic: John Murray) Photo: John Murray