The old Granada cinema building that used to stand in Castle Street has now been reduced to a pile of rubble.

Known as a landmark in Dover history, generations of people remember it both as a cinema and a nightclub during its lifespan.

Its doors were first opened on January 8, 1930, and served people from Dover and the district for the best part of 70 years.

First known as a theatre, Dover marked the founding of the Granada cinema chain, which later expanded nationally.

It seated 1,717 people and was filled on numerous occasions, especially for its first film showing, The Last of Mrs Cheyney which starred American actress, Norma Shearer.

Its name was later changed to ABC, and in July 1970 it re-opened as a luxury lounge, still showing films but seating was reduced to 610.

ABC closed as a cinema on October 30, 1982, and was later converted into Images, one of Dover’s top night spots.

It was re-branded as Snoops but later shut in 2002.

JD Wetherspoon bought the dilapidated building in 2003 to convert it into a pub, but work never started.

Demolition began in August and now all that remains is a building site.

To see a double page special on the Granada's history - see page 26-27 of the Mercury, out tomorrow.