Idea to turn St Georges Hall back into cinema 'ludicrous'

Campaigners believe the cinema "must remain in the public interest as a vital cultural space"

The owners of a former cinema have said it is "ludicrous" to think it would "ever be a cinema again".

The former Redfield Cinema in Bristol recently had its Asset of Community Value status upheld.

William Woodward at Landrose, who owns the building, said: "Cinema audiences have been dwindling since the advent of digital media."

A campaign group said: "The only thing that is ludicrous is Landrose's myopic pursuit of profit."

The group, Save Redfield Cinema, wants to restore the cinema, which closed in 1961, but is still mostly intact.

They added that UK cinema admissions had steadily grown since the turn of the century, remaining above 150m per annum.

They say they also want to add a food hall and some social housing managed by a housing association.

But Landrose plans to redevelop the building into 44 en-suite bedroom units and a commercial gym.

The 130-seater cinema is mostly still intact

Mr Woodward added that it was unlikely the building could be used as a cinema in the future, "with even the Showcase in Cabot closing its doors".

However, the campaign group said the pandemic had "accelerated trends within the industry away from the multiplex model and towards a smaller, more accessible offer focused on providing audiences".

Mr Woodward added: "This cinema closed over 50 years ago and has been many things since most recently a Weatherspoon's and a bingo hall before that.

"Landrose looks forward to producing the quality commercial and co-living accommodation that is much needed in Bristol and St George."