6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Last-minute plea to save historic Glasgow Vouge cinema
Members of the International Coalition of Art Deco Societies (ICADS) wrote to the Scottish Government and the city's planning department to keep the Possilpark building.
The group, working to preserve and celebrate Art Deco architecture and design, urged decision-makers not to pull down the site but instead retain it.
In a letter, they also argued the demolition would "permanently erase a historic local landmark that is an icon for the neighbourhood, the local culture and a representation of architectural history that encapsulates an important cinema."
(Image: Pictures of the former Vogue Cinema on Balmore Road, Glasgow. Images taken by Gordon Terris, Newsque) (Image: Pictures of the former Vogue Cinema on Balmore Road, Glasgow. Images taken by Gordon Terris, Newsque)
The document added: "The cinema was built by James McKissak an eminent architect who is well recognised for his design of several cinemas in the style moderne, particularly in Glasgow and Edinburgh, that lent the name 'cinema city' to Glasgow."
The Balmore Road building's fate will be decided on Friday this week by a government official.
At a meeting in late March, representatives of Historic Environment Scotland (HES), Glasgow City Council and site owner Allied Vehicles discussed the case, which is now with the Scottish Government's planning and environmental appeals division.
(Image: Images taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)
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Glasgow residents torn over former Vogue cinema demolition
Initially, the cinema was earmarked to be knocked down in 2023 but the council issued a building preservation notice in January 2024.
Then, it was given legal protection after HES listed it as a building of special historical and architectural interest last June.
In September last year, Allied Vehicles submitted an appeal, arguing that the structure should be pulled down despite its status.
We previously reported that locals were divided about the plans for the C-listed structure and a petition to save it was signed by 3764 people.
Many recalled fond memories of watching films there, some, however, argued it's an eyesore that would just rot away without intervention.
Formerly a cinema and bingo hall, the Vogue was erected in 1933.
