Work has now begun on a 1950s cinema, a toy shop, an electric store, and repair workshop at a popular County Durham tourist attraction.

Developments are now officially underway for Beamish Museum's The Grand Cinema in Ryhope, Sunderland, after pictures emerged showing the first pieces of steel frame being fitted at the site yesterday (April 4).

The project will also include a toy shop named after the popular Romer Parrish store in Middlesbrough, and electrical shop and repair workshop, A Reece Ltd.

A Beamish Musuem spokesperson said the cinema will incorporate as many elements and features of the original building as possible.

Read more: Work on 1950s cinema at Beamish Museum begins

The Northern Echo:

Speaking on the progress of the development yesterday, they said: "The first pieces of steel frame for The Grand cinema were fixed into place today in our 1950s Town.

"This phase of our Remaking Beamish project construction work will feature a recreation of The Grand cinema, from Ryhope in Sunderland, which will incorporate as many elements and features of the original building as possible.

"A toy shop named after the popular Romer Parrish store in Middlesbrough, and an electrical shop and repair workshop, A Reece Ltd, are also being built on The 1950s Town’s Front Street.

"Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the Remaking Beamish project was awarded a £10.9million grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2016."

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The Northern Echo:

Work is also underway on the exhibits, which are part of the Remaking Beamish project, the biggest development in the museum’s history.

Meanwhile, visitors will get to enjoy a 1950s cinema experience, such as short features and films, and some feature-length film opportunities once the project is complete.

A Reece Ltd, Radio and Electrical Services, will include a showroom featuring the latest 1950s technology and domestic appliances. 

Visitors will be able to discover popular toys from the decade and also see repairs underway in the dolls’ hospital.

The Northern Echo:

Speaking on the announcement last month (March 17), Rhiannon Hiles, Beamish’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re very excited to be starting work on The Grand Cinema, Romer Parrish toy shop and A Reece Ltd electrical shop and workshop, in our wonderful 1950s Town.

“We can’t wait to welcome visitors to experience a trip to the cinema, and discover popular toys and the latest in 1950s technology in the shops.

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The Northern Echo:

“Our Remaking Beamish exhibits that have already opened are proving very popular with visitors.

"There is so much to look forward to at the museum, with the completion of our 1950s Town, and work on the expansion of our Georgian area, including self-catering cottages and a tavern, which will be starting soon.

“This is a very exciting time for the museum and we are extremely grateful to our visitors, staff, volunteers, funders and partners for their support.”