The Builder - Percy Hamer / History | The Ambassador Super Cinema Salford

The Builder - P. Hamer Ltd.

The original builders for the Ambassador were Gerrard and Sons Ltd. of Swinton. However, following the tragic deaths of workers John Gannon and John Gregg during the excavation, the contract was seemingly transferred to another firm, P. Hamer Ltd., also based in Swinton. Percy also built the Ambassador's sister Cinema the Kingsway in Levenshulme.

The switch in contractors may have been linked to these unfortunate events, though specific details on the reasons behind this decision are not well-documented.

Percy S. Hamer

Percy Hamer, born in October 1878, was the third son of Joseph and Emily Hamer. A family deeply rooted in the building trade in Swinton. His father, Joseph Hamer, owned a joinery yard on Park Street, and Percy, along with his older brothers John and William, became joiners .

By the early 1900s, the brothers had established a building firm, trading as Hamer Bros. An article from 1909 highlights a bankruptcy case involving their mother, who acted as their landlord and exercised her right to "distrain" for unpaid rent, buying their seized possessions.

Whatever the reason for the family rift, Percy Hamer quickly moved forward by establishing P. Hamer Limited in Swinton, Manchester,registering P. Hamer Ltd on the 11th May 1925. From the very beginning, he set up shop in the same sawmill yard, launching a new chapter in his career.

Report of company registration - The Builder 1925-06-12

Percy's new company got off to a flying start whan he was contracted to build four houses at Agecroft Power Station at the cost of £3,308 fourteen shillings and sixpence.

First job for P. Hamer Ltd - The Builder 1925-07-10

By the late 1920s, Percy had gained a solid reputation for his work in cinema and theatre construction, especially in the stylish Art Deco design that was all the rage at the time. His journey into this vibrant world of entertainment construction was a natural fit, aligning perfectly with the booming film industry of the 1920s and 1930s.

Here are some highlights of Percy Hamer's contributions to cinema building:

P. Hamer Limited was founded in Swinton, Manchester, as Percy ventured out on his own after leaving the family business.

By the end of the 1920s, he had become well-known for his expertise in building cinemas and theatres, particularly in the sought-after Art Deco style.

This era saw an exciting surge in purpose-built cinemas, including "super cinemas," to satisfy the growing demand for film entertainment. For instance, the Ambassador Super Cinema in Salford, which began construction in 1927, exemplified this trend.

Percy’s company quickly became a preferred contractor for significant cinema projects. One notable project was the Odeon Cinema in Warrington, which opened its doors in January 1937.

P. Hamer Ltd. also played a key role in constructing the Odeon in Blackpool, which opened in May 1939. This impressive cinema was one of the largest Odeon theatres ever built, boasting a seating capacity of 3,088.

The Blackpool Odeon project had a hefty budget of £82,500, showcasing the scale and prestige of the work Hamer's company was involved in during this golden age of cinema construction.

Percy Hamer clearly recognized the growing appetite for grand movie palaces and entertainment venues during this time. With his company’s expertise in creating these elaborate buildings, particularly in the fashionable Art Deco style, he was well-positioned to take advantage of the trend. The success of projects like the Odeon cinemas in Warrington and Blackpool only solidified his reputation in this specialized area of construction.

In 1936, following the passing of Arthur Ward, Percy Hamer stepped in to succeed him on the board of Ambassador Super Cinema Ltd., where Percy had been one of the original shareholders. It was also reported that Percy held board positions at several other Manchester cinemas, including the Broadway Cinema in Eccles and the Roxy Cinema in Hollin Wood.

This means that Percy wasn’t just involved in constructing these stunning Art Deco cinemas—he also had a personal stake in their success, playing a key role in both building and managing these impressive picture palaces.

Ambassador Super Cinema, Pendleton 1928

Regal Super Cinema, Altrincham 1932

ODEON Warrington 1937

Spa Cinema Buxton 1937

ODEON Blackpool 1939

In addition to his work on cinemas, Percy Hamer's company, P. Hamer Ltd., was involved in a wide range of construction projects beyond the entertainment industry. His expertise extended to building retail spaces, office buildings, and even large commercial properties. One notable project was the construction of a grand car showroom for H.E. Nunn & Co Ltd., which highlighted the versatility of his company’s skills. They also constructed the rather austere Labour Exchange In Aytoun Street (1950-1) and new distribution offices and warehouse for WH Smith on Roberts Street, Manchester (1967).

This variety of projects showcased Percy's ability to adapt to different architectural needs and sectors, helping his company become a trusted name not just in cinema construction, but in various industries across Manchester and beyond. Whether it was a sleek office space or an elegant showroom, Percy’s team had a reputation for delivering high-quality buildings that met the demands of a rapidly modernizing world.

Illustration of New Car Showroom for Nunn & Co 1938

Labour Exchange on Aytoun Street Manchester

Percy Hamer himself played a key role in local community initiatives and developments, including his presidency of the Swinton and Pendlebury Rotary Club. One of his significant contributions was organising a public funding appeal in 1950, which helped acquire Worsley Woods from Bridgewater Estates and secured them as a public amenity for the local community. He lived in The Lodge situated at the start of the area.

Not much is known about the later years of Percy Hamer’s company.

The latest reference to the company we’ve found so far comes from 1971 job adverts in the Manchester Evening News, which was seeking joiners for P. Hamer Ltd. and a further advert for Experienced Sub Agent for a 2 year hospital contract This suggests that the company remained active at least into the early 1970s, maintaining its presence in the local construction scene for years after Percy's death.

Although details about the company’s later years are sparse, it’s clear that Percy Hamer’s influence endured, with the family business continuing to make its mark on the Manchester area for some time after he passed.

Sadly, it appears that P. Hamer Ltd. faced financial difficulties in the late 1970s. The company went into receivership and liquidators were appointed on the 21st May 1979, and its premises and stock were auctioned off to settle creditors' claims. This marked a rather unfortunate end for what had been a highly industrious and respected local company.

Auction notice: P Hamer LTD Swinton

Alderley & Wilmslow Advertiser - Thursday 20 July 1978

Notice of appointment of Liquidators