Historic former cinema up for sale

The Northwick first opened its doors as a theatre in 1938

An art deco landmark in Worcester has been put up for sale with a £1.5m price tag.

The old Northwick cinema, a Grade II listed building just outside the city centre on Ombersley Rd, is currently a furniture shop.

Its owners said they wanted to move to a smaller site - but admitted they would miss working in such a unique building.

"I don’t think we’ll find somewhere that looks like this," said Helen Gray, who runs Grays of Worcester with her husband David.

The Northwick Theatre was opened in 1938, designed by Charles E. Wilford, but the interior was the work of Art Deco designer John Alexander.

Much of his original design can still be seen.

"This is his last surviving work anywhere in the country," said Mr Gray.

It was later turned into a cinema and in 1966 became a bingo hall, as it remained until 1982 when it was abandoned.

It lay empty until 1991 when a new owner reopened it as a live music venue, hosting bands including Cast and Shed Seven.

David and Helen Gray have owned the Northwick for the past 20 years

Mr and Mrs Gray opened it as a furniture shop in 2004.

"We had to completely restore it," said Mr Gray.

"We had to work with British heritage, and we did it the best that we could do it. And I don’t think it could have been done any better."

Now the Northwick is on the market again, the question is what it will become next.

Mr and Mrs Gray suggested it could be a flagship building for a company or a music school.

The Northwick is currently run as a furniture shop

But whatever it becomes, they hope the future owners respect the history of the building.

"Everybody loves it," said Mr Gray.

"They come in and it’s a proper wow factor because of the interior. It’s something special."