Bromley's first cinema opened in 1909 in a converted theatre. But by the 1930s large scale development all around the area created a demand for a much grander venue.

The Gaumont, one of the thirties' "super cinemas", was built on the site of a music college and a health centre and was one of the many signs between the wars that Bromley was changing from a market town to a London suburb.

Spurred on by the impend-ing arrival of the rival Odeon chain's own super cinema, the new cinema was designed to replace the Gaumont's two existing traditional cinemas, the Grand and the Palais.

Meanwhile they continued to advertise on the hoardings that marked the new site.

Designed by William E. Trent, it opened in 1936 and included a cafe and an organ, but after the War it lost the battle with its rival the Odeon.

Closing in 1961, it was converted into a shop.