Built on the site of the former Govan Cinema, the Plaza was designed by Charles McNair for Associated British Cinemas and opened in 1936. It was said that the glossy, comfortable interior of the Plaza reflected the luxury liners being built on the Clyde at the time. A poster advertising the Plaza as "warmest in winter, coolest in summer" highlights one of the attractions of these large suburban cinemas for the citizens of Glasgow: older “fleapits” were often uncomfortably hot or cold depending on the season.
In 1966 the Plaza’s name was changed to ABC, but six years later the building was closed and demolished as part of the redevelopment of Govan Cross.
Reference: Glasgow City Archives, D-CA 8/1335
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries and Archives
Keywords:
ABC, Associated British Cinemas, cinemas, Govan Cinema, Plaza