Skip to content

Redfield Cinema site has community asset status upheld

Church Road, Bristol Two photos side-by-side - Granada Social Club in 1960s & Wetherspoon pub in 2020sChurch Road, Bristol
Campaigners believe the cinema "must remain in the public interest as a vital cultural space"

A group campaigning to save a former art deco cinema are "delighted" after the building had its Asset of Community Value (ACV) status upheld.

Save Redfield Cinema has been campaigning to save St George's Hall on Church Road in Bristol from redevelopment since 2021.

Dave Taylor-Matthews, from the group, said the news brought "motivation and momentum" to their campaign.

Landowner Landrose has appealed twice against the ACV being granted.

Speaking after the decision to uphold the ACV status, a spokesperson for Landrose said: "Landrose are a small developer with a track record of investing in the city who just want to create spaces for people to live during a housing crisis."

It said a full statement would follow later.

Save Redfield Cinema wants to restore the cinema, which closed in 1961, but is still mostly intact, adding a food hall and some "quality" housing for local people.

But the landowner plans to redevelop the building into 44 en-suite bedroom units and a commercial gym.

Lesmoor Kelly Cinema seatingLesmoor Kelly
The 130-seater cinema is mostly still intact

More than 1000 people have objected to the landowner's plans.

"We believe we have a very strong case," said Mr Taylor-Matthews.

He said he was "delighted" they had won their appeal, adding that it demonstrated "the power isn't always in the hands of the developers and they don't always get their way".

Bristol Council is expected to make a decision on Landrose's planning application early next year.

The ACV status means the building will now be added to the council's list of Assets of Community Value.

"We remain ready and open to buy the building," added Mr Taylor-Matthews.

Lesmoor Kelly Photos of the cinema ceilingLesmoor Kelly
A petition to save the cinema has amassed more than 10,000 signatures

Campaigner Brendan Tate Wistreich, who led the action with support from the University of Bristol Law Clinic, thanked the "thousands" of people who had supported the campaign.

"I thank you for taking our nomination and credentials as a group seriously and recognising the considerable social value that this building has provided since 1912, up until it was recently closed, as well as the potential it could offer our local neighbourhood into the future.

"We value having our rights in the Localism Act upheld, thank you for siding with the decision of CRtB (Community Right to Build) officers and supporting the retention of this incredible asset."

Presentational grey line

Follow BBC West on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to: [email protected]