Uncertain future remains for UK's oldest cinema

A property firm has been urged to "act in the best interests of the city" as fears continue about the UK's oldest working cinema.

The future of The Electric Cinema in Birmingham has been uncertain since it suddenly closed in 2024, sparking a high-profile campaign to save it and other buildings in Station Street, in the city centre.

Fresh concern was raised earlier this month after firefighters were called to the venue because its Art Deco-style sign was in a precarious state.

West Midlands mayor Richard Parker has since written an open letter to the venue's leaseholder Glenbrook, raising serious concerns about the "current state of the building" and "how it's being managed".

The mayor's letter said the firm had made previous assurances about its commitment to protecting the heritage of the building.

"The Electric is part of Birmingham's cultural identity, one of the most recognisable historic venues in the region and is nationally significant," Parker wrote.

The chair of the city council's planning committee, Lee Marsham said he felt the authority ought to consider a local listing, which may help protect the building.

"I know it doesn't carry as much weight but I think it's something to consider," he said.

"And I would urge Glenbrook to act in the best interests of the city. Either bring forward an application or at least pass it on to someone who might want to do that."

The developer has previously said it had ambitions of re-inventing The Electric and seeing it survive another century.

That could be supported through the delivery of built-to-rent homes in a tower block, along with a vision for seeing Station Street become the "heart of a wider cultural walk".

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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