The Empire Theatre opens
The Empire Theatre, the first on Grote Street opened on 10 April 1909 in premises previously occupied by three two-storey shops. Designed by A Barnham Black, the theatre initially featured vaudeville acts and moving pictures. It continued to operate as a picture theatre until 1948. In 1952 it was acquired by People Stores Ltd and became part of its retail complex extending to Gouger Street.
