Historic hotspots street could be conservation area

Birmingham City Council has said it is exploring the possibility of declaring a conservation area in a street housing the UK's oldest working cinema.

The future of Station Street, home to The Electric cinema, The Old Rep theatre and Crown pub, drew headlines last year following the cinema's sudden closure.

And the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) confirmed this month it had decided not to bestow listed status on the venue, saying it did not meet the criteria, which disappointed campaigners.

Now Sarah Scannell, the council's assistant director of planning, said a conservation area and local listing were among options being reviewed.

There were mixed feelings when property developer Glenbrook revealed early plans of 're-inventing' the historic cinema last year, with ideas including funding including from built-to-rent homes.

The Save Station Street campaign, which has been backed by stars, including Ozzy Osbourne and Succession star Brian Cox, has been fighting to have The Electric listed.

But Historic England, which provides advice to the government, argued the "architectural interest" of The Electric had been eroded by numerous alterations.

But it also said the "story of The Electric cinema is part of the story of Birmingham," adding the decision not to give listed status does not "prevent efforts to recognise the importance of this area in other ways, such as by the establishment of a conservation area".

At a planning committee meeting on Thursday, independent councillor Martin Brooks asked if there had been any discussions within the council about the potential move.

"We have already got other buildings in Station Street that are listed – there's The Crown, there's the Old Rep Theatre," he said.

"It's a very important cultural aspect of the city and I think we should do what we can to save it."

Ms Scannell confirmed it was among options being considered and said members of the public had also contacted the council "about the same thing".

"There is the conservation area, there's also the opportunity of local listing and other opportunities that we've got using our levers," she said.

She added she would bring a formal response to the planning committee about what the council proposed to do.

Meanwhile, the Save Station Street campaign confirmed it intended to appeal the DCMS' decision.

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