Petition calls for Whiteladies Road cinema restoration
A PETITION has been launched in the hope of restoring a crumbing Clifton cinema to its former glory.
The former ABC cinema is facing possible development into flats but local residents and campaigners want a working cinema reinstalled in the 1920s building.
-
The former ABC cinema in Whiteladies Road, Clifton
The cinema has been the subject of a number of campaigns over recent years with enthusiasts keen to turn what some people see as an eyesore back into a Bristol icon.
The building has been derelict for more than ten years and much of the original features inside have fallen into disrepair.
Contact us today for a 50% Reduction off of our Management Set Up Fee
Terms: For full Terms & Conditions, contact us today
Contact: 0117 370 7570
Valid until: Saturday, June 06 2015
Campaign group Whiteladies Picture House has the launched the latest petition online after a period of consultation with residents.
The group would like to see a full restoration with the space used for film screenings, theatre and arts.
David Fells, from the Whiteladies Picture House campaign, told the Post: "We realise we have the backing of a large proportion of the community with our project.
"We've been before residents groups and local businesses and have seen the apatite for a local meeting point like this.
"The kind of refurbishment we want would see the building restored to a point where you would get a real sense for how it was in the 1920s. It's a real hidden treasure."
The original cinema was built in 1921 with a landmark decorative tower, art nouveau exterior and marble columns and flooring.
The group of campaigners hope the refurbishment will benefit the community more than the planned flats and new gym that would occupy the historic building if the current planning application is approved.
Campaigners are urging people to object to the current plans which are due to go before a council planning committee on June 27.
The building is currently owned by property developers Melenbrand, which purchased the building from Odeon Cinemas in 2001.
Comments
by Tody123
Wednesday, June 20 2012, 6:15PM
“I do think there is room in the cinema market for a type of cinema that middle age people can enjoy , the watershed goes some way to fulfilling it, but rooms are small, and its a bit 'clinical', parking is a nightmare and you have to run the gauntlet of weekend binge drinkers.
Similar films to the Watershed, but in a nice big airy old fashioned cinema with really comfy seats. No kids films, no popcorn. A nice range of beers and wines and high some quality deli snacks.
I would go.”
by DavidBristol
Wednesday, June 20 2012, 4:26PM
“Apatite: Noun. A common mineral, calcium fluorophosphate, occurring in individual crystals and in masses and varying in color, formerly used in the manufacture of phosphate fertilizers.”
by Rich111
Wednesday, June 20 2012, 2:21PM
“Crumbing?”
by philip87
Wednesday, June 20 2012, 1:17PM
“Actually the covenent was repealed a few years ago!”
by Oddly
Wednesday, June 20 2012, 11:06AM
“Its a covenant in the lease. No re-use as a cinema. Thats already been covered several times,”
by DennisB2012
Wednesday, June 20 2012, 9:17AM
“Nice idea. But one has to ask the simple - if not simplistic - questions - "who pays" and "how many people will pay to support it". If it's that easy, why has it not happened already.”