Source: Cinema Treasures
The Art Deco style Norwest opened in 1936, designed by Hector Payne, who also designed the Varsity the same year. The Norwest could seat 1366, and was a first run house until closing around 1978. In 1979, it was reopened as a bargain second-run house, by Robert Sloan, who also operated the sadly-demolished Art Deco Metro Mercury as well, which was located not far from the Norwest. At some point during the 80s, the theater was twinned, becoming the Norwest 1 & 2, with total seating reduced to about 1100. The Norwest 1 & 2 was closed in 2000.