Liverpool Futurist Cinema demolition plan criticised

Campaigners are calling for a public inquiry as the council voted to demolish the building

Campaigners have urged the government to hold a public inquiry over a decision to demolish a cinema which has been a Liverpool landmark since 1912.

The Cinema Theatre Association (CTA) said the Futurist Cinema on Lime Street has "been allowed to rot away" for more than 35 years since it closed.

Liverpool City Council said the cinema "which could not be saved", and other nearby buildings will be demolished.

It is the city's oldest purpose-built cinema and opened in September 1912.

The CTA said for 70 years it "entertained generations of people at the heart of the city's commercial district" and praised its "dignified neo-Georgian facade".

'Beyond repair'

Spokesman Richard Gray said: "Why do councils and developers continue to treat our heritage as if it was of no consequence?

"The Futurist has been allowed to rot away until now, only the facade is worth saving," he added. "But that's better than the proposed development of faceless buildings."

A statement from Liverpool City Council said: "Historic England have recognised Liverpool City Council's track record in preserving its heritage.

"However, in this case the structural condition of the Futurist cinema meant it could not be saved despite considerable efforts to do so."

It said two surveys found that its condition meant it was "beyond repair and its facade would also have presented significant challenges to save.

"It should be noted that as part of the Lime Street regeneration plans, the former ABC cinema - which has been derelict for several years - will be restored and used as an entertainment hub," it added.