[2] Replacing a single storied bungalow structure that faced York Street,[1] the Empire theatre was designed by architect Tom Anthoness and was built by J. Ashman and Warner.

[1] The theatre cost £5,000 and was owned and operated by West's Picture Company.

It boasted refreshment stalls, a winter garden for ladies and a spacious dress circle.

[4] Features of the two storey building include a corner entrance, asymmetrical facade, parapet wall concealing roof, informal groupings of windows, gabled pediment and decorative skyline features.

[2] It was closed for some time and reopened to include a bar on the ground floor in 2006.