Dundee’s historic Rialto cinema will be reduced to dust this weekend.
Preliminary work to dismantle a brick gable wall started last week, but contractors say the main demolition should start on Saturday.
The site at Grays Lane, Lochee, has been unoccupied for several years but was once the first cinema in Dundee to show ‘talkies’ when it opened in 1928.
Its destruction is sure to be a sad moment for generations of locals who used the building in its various guises.Did you meet the love of your life at the “Ri”? Share your memories below or email online@thecourier.co.ukThe Courier was given access to see all that remains of one of Dundee’s best-known landmarks.
Ramsay McBain, director of Ramsay Properties Ltd who now own the site, said the 12 flats that will replace the derelict structure will help the surrounding area.
He said: “It’s been an eyesore ever since a fire a few years ago. I used to run a coach company and we operated coaches for the bingo so I sat outside the building plenty of times.
“It’s a prominent landmark but the building that will go up in its place will look much better.”
The road and side lane will be closed to allow the steel-frame building to be completely demolished.
Planning permission is yet to be attained for the 12 new flats but Mr McBain is confident permission will be granted and construction can begin in the new year.