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Plans to reopen cinema closed since Covid revealed

BBC Woolton Picture House buildingBBC
The Woolton Picture House on Mason Street opened in 1927

The owners of Liverpool's oldest cinema said they have submitted a planning application to turn it into a sustainable cinema and cultural events space.

Woolton Picture House closed four years ago during the coronavirus pandemic and has never reopened.

Local people had criticised the owners for "not being transparent" after a fundraiser raised over £24,000, but no progress was made and the owners ignored requests for updates, local councillor Malcom Kelly said.

On Monday, in the first post on social media since July 2020, the cinema owners thanked customers for their patience and revealed they had been "working behind the scenes" and plans had been submitted to Liverpool City Council.

Plaque awarded by the British Film Institute which reads: Commemorating the Centenary of Cinema 1996. The Picture House. The Oldest surviving cinema in Liverpool. Opened 26th December 1927. In association with the British Film Institute.
The cinema is the oldest surviving in Liverpool

Proposals would see the building renovated, a new roof and solar panels installed, a glass frontage and ramped access added.

Liberal Democrat councillor Mr Kelly, said it was "good news" and now was the time for the owners to "build bridges" with the community.

"It's what the people of Woolton want," he said.

He said there was "a great deal of community interest" but a lack of communication had caused "a little bit of bad feeling" with local people.

Sue Snow stood outside Woolton Picture House
Sue Snow called for "more transparency" from the owners

Sue Snow, who set up the fundraiser, said the money was transferred to the owners after she was assured the cinema would reopen but then faced years of silence from the owners.

"We heard nothing," she said.

"Nothing was put to the community about what was going to happen," she said and called on the owners for "more transparency".

"It's at the heart of the community," she said.

"The whole place has got so many memories for so many people it just needs to be back in the community. Just keep us informed of what's happening."

Women dressed in 1920s costumes
BBC TV Drama Lilies, set in 1920s Liverpool, was filmed at the cinema in 2006

The cinema first opened on 26 December 1927 and was originally built to host 800 people on wooden benches. More comfortable seating was added in the 1930s.

Having stayed open during World War Two, it survived the bombing of Liverpool, but was devastated by fire in the summer of 1958. It reopened three months later.

In 2006, the sudden deaths of its chief projectionist and owner saw it closed again.

Later that year it was used for filming for the 1920s themed BBC drama Lilies.

It reopened again in March 2007 and went on to feature in the 2009 John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy.

It also hosted the red carpet premiere of Indian blockbuster Madrasapattinam a year later.

On 18 March 2020, during the Covid-19 lockdown, it closed and remained shut ever since.

'Vibrant accessible and inclusive space'

In a post on Facebook the cinema said: "We know you have all been awaiting a further update regarding the progress of Woolton Picture House and we are appreciative of your patience."

Adding they had been "working behind the scenes on exciting plans" to make "a range of enhancements and improvements to our building".

"We plan to create a vibrant, accessible and inclusive space that may be enjoyed for many years to come," they said.

Mr Kelly added: "We need to move forward and now and this is the perfect opportunity and the perfect time."

The BBC has approached Woolton Picture House for comment.

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