The plot of land that once housed the Metropole Cinema, at the corner of Robb and Wellington streets, in Georgetown, has been sold.
The neighbouring Discount Shoe Store is the new owner of the property and construction work is ongoing at the site.
The cinema, which was opened in 1938, was destroyed by fire on September 7, 2004.
Speaking to Stabroek News, Sherry (only name given) of Discount Store said that she was unaware of what the building being erected at the site will house. She, however, said that all the materials for the building are being imported and it will definitely not be completed by the end of the year.
History buff Godfrey Chin, as part of his Nostalgia series for Sunday Stabroek News, wrote a tribute to the Metropole, which he called the “standard-bearer for the best movie experience locally,” in its heydays from the 1950s up to the 1980s.
Chin wrote: “Metropole could safely be deemed the fountain of the Guyana movie experience. Indeed, I venture to proclaim it was the centre of Georgetown’s entertainment for many years. Within three blocks we could dine at Bamboo Gardens, National, Rendezvous, Brown Betty and Coalpot; take out chicken from Oasis, Farm Fresh or Sip and Chat; and disco at Dog and Bone or Guiding Light.”
