Changing Times

A Period of Transition. In 1952, television came to Scotland. By the 1960s, cinemagoing was undergoing a period of decline. Like so many other cinemas, the Broadway began a slow transition from cinema to bingo hall. The Broadway Bingo & Social Club was founded. By 1966, the calls of 'bingo!' had taken over full-time.

In 1976, a last attempt was made by manager John Sword, grandson of the original chairman, to revive big-screen entertainment. It ended up being the worst year for cinema attendance on record, with fierce competition from larger cinemas in Ayr. The revival only lasted ten months. A New Form of Entertainment. The Broadway was purchased by J.E. Sheeran Amusements and re-opened in 1981 as the Broadway Leisure Centre. The foyer became an amusement arcade. The auditorium now featured a gym, billiard room, and viewing lounge for three new championship-standard squash courts! The upper floors and many original cinema features were simply covered up, becoming frozen in time. The renamed Prestwick Leisure Centre closed in 2003.