New buildings always appear to be popping up around Bolton town centre. And this photo shows that it has always been the case.

Taken in August 1936 it shows the framework of the new Lido cinema on Bradshawgate at the junction with Great Moor Street going up. If you look through the girders you can see the building which was Arnold Kay’s Garage.

In a previous life, this building had been the Ideal cinema. Building work must have progressed well as the Lido opened in March 1937 and boasted 1,800 seats. It closed in 1998 and was demolished in 2006.

It’s unlikely anyone will remember the Ideal Cinema but we bet that quite a few Looking Back readers remember the Lido. If you do, share your memories and leave a comment.