Cinema purchase delayed over structural issues

Campaigners said they hope to buy and run Keighley's Picture House

Plans for campaigners to purchase a century-old cinema have been delayed after surveyors said there were structural issues with the building.

Keighley Town Council had planned to buy The Picture House on North Street from Bradford Council after it was announced the site would be sold at auction.

The auction was paused after it was revealed that local supporters were interested in buying and running the Grade II-listed venue.

Councillor Chris Herd, the town's mayor, said: "I know many will be disappointed by the delay, but as a council we must do our due diligence and ensure councillors have all relevant information before making a final decision."

"Several structural issues were identified by surveyors that require further investigation," he said.

"To allow time for these investigations and for discussions with Bradford Council, it was sensible to delay any decision until we have the full picture."

'Committed to project'

The Picture House in Keighley, which first opened in 1913, has been owned by Bradford Council since the 1980s and is currently run by a leaseholder.

The town council has pledged to find the £110,000 needed to meet the building's asking price.

Local campaigners have also launched a £300,000 crowdfunding campaign to help pay for a buyout and secure the cinema's future in the longer term.

Herd said: "I need to be clear that the town council is committed to doing what it can to save The Picture House and is willing to work with Bradford Council to find solutions that will allow the cinema to go from strength to strength.

"Meantime, I would encourage everyone to visit The Picture House to see the great range of films being shown."

Beverly Bottomley, from the Friends of Keighley Picture House, said the ultimate hope was for the community to own the cinema outright and for it to become a "hub" for multiple projects and events.

A petition started by Robbie Moore MP was presented to Parliament in September with more than 5,000 signatures.

Moore said: "Losing the Picture House would be another blow to our high street, one that Keighley simply cannot afford."

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