Published: 18/05/2026 By Ryan Holmes
Few cinema venues have such a thrilling name as The Electric Palace. It’s a name that conjures anticipation of excitement, exhilaration, and stimulation, and a venue that has entertained audiences since 1926, when ‘The New Electric Palace’ was built in Bridport by the local Palmers brewing family.This historic landmark venue comes to the market through Symonds & Sampson, who are offering the theatre, apartments and retail units for sale as a whole or in up to three lots. As Partner and Head of Commercial Ryan Holmes explains, it is a treasured building, rich in history, style and technology, and which holds a remarkable place in the local cultural community.
“When it first opened in 1926, The Electric Palace promised to bring a ‘new age of modern cinema’ to Bridport, and it has almost continuously delighted audiences ever since. Groundbreaking from the very first day, it was among the first cinemas to have electricity generated by its own engine room. A sound system followed in 1931, and ‘talkies’ brought even more wonder and glamour of the new age of cinema, opera and stage performances.
“Architecturally, the stunning Grade II Listed Art Deco style has been treasured over the years. The lamps, the plush red velvet seats in its 500-seat auditorium, mouldings, and a renowned collection of ten pastoral murals by the local painter and sign writer George ‘Tricky’ Biles remain to this day.
“Whilst other cinemas have floundered, the Electric Palace has survived, largely thanks to loving restoration and modernisation of the building under its recent ownership. Improvements include the largest cinema screen in Dorset, a top-of-the-range digital projector and sound system, and upgraded bars, hospitality, and backstage areas, placing the venue at the heart of a thriving cultural community with the town and beyond. In 2026, it was included in the Financial Times list of the 24 most breathtaking cinemas in the world.
“Many famous names have graced the stage at this thriving, multi-purpose, independent venue, offering an eclectic mix of film screenings, live ballet and opera performances, comedy and music. It is also a cherished venue for weddings, celebrations, meetings and conferences, ensuring there is something for everybody.”
Ryan concludes by saying, ‘It is a privilege to be marketing such an architecturally and culturally important part of Bridport’s history, and under new ownership, we have no doubt that The Electric Palace will continue to enthral for years to come.”
Alasdair Warren, The Electric Palace's current owner comments, "After almost 12 years of owning the Bridport Electric Palace, during which time I have invested more than £3 million to renovate the building and support the business, I can confirm that I am now looking to sell the business.
"I bought and restored the Palace because I love it and because it’s such an important part of what Bridport is all about. I grew up in and around Bridport and I watched my first movie there with my Dad in the late 70’s. It’s a truly unique gem that will celebrate its 100th birthday this year, and I’m incredibly proud to have been able to help to bring it back to life.
"I will, of course, continue to love the Palace when I am no longer the owner and I will only sell it to someone who shares my love and my vision for its longevity and future - and someone that will help to ensure that future generations can enjoy this beautiful building for another 100 years!
"The Bridport Electric Palace has been nominated as an ‘Asset of Community Value’, and this will give the community of Bridport the opportunity to buy the building, if they so wish. The customers who enjoy the fantastic shows we book, and the promoters who provide the brilliant acts who play at Bridport Electric Palace, can also be assured that the business will continue to provide amazing entertainment long after ownership has changed hands."
The Electric Palace is available in three lots as follows:
- Lot 1: The Electric Palace (both freehold and leasehold interests), including all trade assets and business goodwill, as a going concern - Offers in Excess of £1.1 million
- Lot 2: 2 x retail units (leasehold, with share of freehold) - offered as a single 2 shop unit together (and not separately) - with Offers in Excess of £190,000
- Lot 3: Two residential flats above (leasehold with share of freehold) - offered as a single unit - with Offers in Excess of £450,000
