Community plan aims to bring 1930s cinema 'back to former glory'

What the former Curzon Cinema could look like

A cinema that closed 16 years ago is set to be brought back into use.

The Curzon Cinema, in Urmston, Trafford, has been taken over by Christian Revival Church (CRC).

The Art Deco building off Bowfell Road has been vacant since 2008.

Ricky Sellars, of Brass Architecture, which is working with CRC, said the 1930s cinema will be a "local destination".

'Former glory'

The main auditorium and the grand lobby on the first floor will be revamped, meaning the building would become a "modern-day theatre”, Mr Sellars said.

CRC's plans include a ground-floor coffee shop and office space on the second floor.

Mr Sellars said the upgraded cinema building would be ideal for meetings, classes, functions and events.

He said the plan would "restore this treasured building to its former glory".

“It will be a community institution, a local destination, and a local icon," he said.

A design for the main auditorium

In 2023, developer Raynor Rowen scrapped plans to convert the building into 42 apartments following protests from residents.

Mr Sellars said the revised proposals were aimed at being of benefit to the community.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that this building adds value to Urmston for future decades.

"We believe our scheme does."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to [e-mail]