Latest news with #TheStrand
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Snipers appeared to have been stationed on buildings during Liverpool football parade where driver ploughed into crowds
Snipers appeared to have been stationed on top of a building during Liverpool's parade through the city yesterday. Unverified footage circulating on social media appears to show two police marksmen stationed on the Queensway Tunnel Ventilation Tower building overlooking The Strand. In the clip they are looking towards the Grade I-listed Royal Liver Building with a thinly dispersed crowd below. It is not known if any police snipers were deployed before or after the horror unfolded on the adjacent jam-packed Water Street where a Ford Galaxy had mowed down Liverpool fans and injured 47 people. Merseyside Police said it was unable to comment on the footage, but a police source told MailOnline it was standard procedure to have armed officers at large events. At a press conference this afternoon the force confirmed officers with guns had been at the event. The force deployed snipers in 2023 when the city hosted Eurovision, and armed police in 2017 patrolled Aintree for the first time as part of a 'ring of steel' to protect punters going to the Grand National. Security expert Lee Doddridge told Sky News this morning that police had used 'totally the wrong tactic'. He said: 'The immediate thought for me was how was a vehicle allowed to be among so many people? 'I've got to say it is just alarming that a vehicle was allowed to be so close. You allow for emergency service vehicles, it really doesn't matter at this point what the motive was, we know it wasn't terrorism, but really, a vehicle should not have been allowed anywhere near those celebrations.' Mr Doddridge added: 'One of the images shown last night were police snipers on rooftops as if they were covering the crowd. Totally the wrong tactic. If they had focused more on preventing vehicles getting in they could have prevented this incident. 'I say could have prevent it because that's exactly what you do when you do it correctly. I do think it places a massive liability on Merseyside Police for not getting this right.' Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims has said it is believed that the car was able to follow an ambulance. She told a press conference at Merseyside Police headquarters: 'It is believed the driver of the Ford Galaxy car involved in this incident was able to follow an ambulance onto Water Street after the road block was temporarily lifted so that the ambulance crew could attend to a member of the public who was having a suspected heart attack. 'As with many large events, with event organisers we planned for all contingencies and this included the implementation of road closures to protect pedestrians and an armed policing presence was also in place throughout the day. 'There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place, and as we previously stated, the incident is not being treated as terrorism. 'An extensive investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident is ongoing and we continue to ask people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the incident and refrain from sharing distressing content online.' King Charles today said he was 'deeply shocked and saddened' by the crash during Liverpool's Premier League title parade. The 76-year-old monarch said: 'I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.' Up to one million Liverpool fans had jubilantly gathered to celebrate the club winning the Premier League title with a 10-mile trophy parade through the city centre on Bank Holiday Monday. But in another alarming reminder of how vehicles can be used as a weapon, the celebratory scenes soon descended into a day of horror as a people carrier veered into crowds on Water Street just after 6pm, leaving at least 47 injured. A total of 27 people have been taken to hospital following the horrific incident, including four children. One child was trapped under the car with three adults when firefighters arrived to save them. Liverpool City Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram confirmed this morning there are 'still four people who are very, very ill in hospital'. The other 20 casualties were treated at the scene Jack Trotter, one of the victims who was rushed to hospital, said he remains in 'agony' after being discharged and described it as 'the most horrifying incident I've ever experienced in my life'. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said the whole country 'stands with Liverpool', describing the incident as 'scenes of joy turned to utter horror and devastation'. In what has been described as an 'unprecedented' move, Merseyside Police quickly confirmed a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area was arrested, adding that he is believed to have been the driver and it wasn't being treated as terrorism. It comes after the same police force was criticised over the Southport murders last summer after riots engulfed Britain over false rumours the killer was a Muslim asylum seeker. But the force has come under fire from security experts and witnesses who have today told of their shock that Water Street, a busy road packed with fans, was accessible to the people carrier and ultimately led to the scenes of chaos. A forensics officer places an item into an evidence bag at the scene where a car collided with people during the Liverpool FC trophy parade -- May 27, 2025 Charlotte Hennessy, whose father died in the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, said questions need to be asked about how the driver was able to access a 'road which should have been closed'. Footage appears to show the grey Ford Galaxy struggling to make its way along Dale Street, the main business thoroughfare in the city, while hundreds of fans were still on the street. Some could be seen banging on the car's rear and back window, before the vehicle quickly reversed and went forward, seemingly antagonising supporters. The parade bus had passed along The Strand, the main road along the famous waterfront which was closed to traffic, just moments earlier. But Water Street, which runs off it, was packed with people walking into the city to catch trains, buses and taxis home. Later footage seemingly showed that, by the time the car reached the end of Dale Street and entered Water Street, its back window had been smashed. The driver then went on the rampage and ploughed into the crowds. Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims last night told a press conference that there were 'robust' traffic management measures in place for the parade, however it was unclear whether Dale Street or Water Street were officially closed to vehicles. Neither were advertised as being part of 'fixed' closures before the event although 'rolling' road closures were anticipated along the route. It is understood that Water Street was closed to traffic as part of a rolling road block as the parade reached the city centre. A source told the Mail that there were bollards at the top of the road, at the junction of Dale Street close to the Town Hall, but these were moved to allow an ambulance to get through and the driver 'tailgated' the emergency vehicle to access Water Street.
Glasgow Times
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Historic Belfast picturehouse going back to the future in £6.5 million revamp
The Strand, which is also Belfast's only operational art-deco picturehouse, has released a first look at its £6.5 million face lift, with new CGIs that reveal a return to original art deco features with a contemporary twist. The attraction in east Belfast is set to reopen in summer 2026 following the work supported by Belfast City Council and a £1.8 million commitment from the Belfast Investment Fund. The Strand is Belfast's only operational art-deco picturehouse (Strand Arts Centre/PA) It originally opened on December 7 1935 and survived the bombing blitzes of the Second World War and changing entertainment tastes in the intervening decades while scores of picturehouses and cinemas closed. The images show the restoration of architectural features that were lost over the decades. For the first time, the Strand's name will stand atop its roof, using the original font that previously graced the side of the picturehouse in 1935, while the building's front facade will be restored with hand-glazed, blue-green terracotta tiles in the same material and style used when the doors first opened 90 years ago. Meanwhile the canopy that spanned the front of the building has been removed, restoring the original 1935 profile of the Strand and allowing south-facing sun to fill a new cafe bar space, creating a bright and welcoming hub at the heart of the venue. The ground floor will feature a Crittall-look window, echoing the original curved glass shopfront on the street corner. Bike stands outside will support active travel, while level access and a new lift will make the building fully accessible for the first time, widening the venue's ability to cater for a diverse range of audiences. The Strand originally opened in 1935 and survived the bombing blitzes of the Second World War (Strand Arts Centre/PA) Strand chief executive Mimi Turtle said it is a celebration of the building's heritage. 'We are thrilled to be sharing these highly-anticipated CGIs, which give people a taste of what the new and improved Strand will look like when we reopen our doors next summer,' she said. 'It was essential to us that the building's heritage was both protected and celebrated, while implementing vital enhancements and features that will strengthen the Strand's offering for future generations to come. 'Over the coming months, our team will continue to support the wider community and keep everyone connected to our treasured venue. 'We've been hosting our popular silver-screenings in Belmont Bowling Club, and we're looking forward to sharing further updates on both the restoration progress, and community activities being held across different locations.' Alongside the support of Belfast City Council, additional funding has been secured from Levelling Up Funding UK, Belfast City Council's Belfast Investment Fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Garfield Weston, Foyle Foundation, Ulster Garden Villages, and a number of private trusts and the support of the Strand's patrons. Meanwhile in the lead up to the Strand's summer 2026 reopening, the venue's fundraising initiative, Name a Seat campaign is calling out for both corporates and individuals to take part and purchase its last remaining plaques that will be placed in its new screen rooms. To find out more about the campaign, or further information about the Strand, visit or connect with @StrandBelfast on Facebook and @ on Instagram.
South Wales Argus
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Historic Belfast picturehouse going back to the future in £6.5 million revamp
The Strand, which is also Belfast's only operational art-deco picturehouse, has released a first look at its £6.5 million face lift, with new CGIs that reveal a return to original art deco features with a contemporary twist. The attraction in east Belfast is set to reopen in summer 2026 following the work supported by Belfast City Council and a £1.8 million commitment from the Belfast Investment Fund. The Strand is Belfast's only operational art-deco picturehouse (Strand Arts Centre/PA) It originally opened on December 7 1935 and survived the bombing blitzes of the Second World War and changing entertainment tastes in the intervening decades while scores of picturehouses and cinemas closed. The images show the restoration of architectural features that were lost over the decades. For the first time, the Strand's name will stand atop its roof, using the original font that previously graced the side of the picturehouse in 1935, while the building's front facade will be restored with hand-glazed, blue-green terracotta tiles in the same material and style used when the doors first opened 90 years ago. Meanwhile the canopy that spanned the front of the building has been removed, restoring the original 1935 profile of the Strand and allowing south-facing sun to fill a new cafe bar space, creating a bright and welcoming hub at the heart of the venue. The ground floor will feature a Crittall-look window, echoing the original curved glass shopfront on the street corner. Bike stands outside will support active travel, while level access and a new lift will make the building fully accessible for the first time, widening the venue's ability to cater for a diverse range of audiences. The Strand originally opened in 1935 and survived the bombing blitzes of the Second World War (Strand Arts Centre/PA) Strand chief executive Mimi Turtle said it is a celebration of the building's heritage. 'We are thrilled to be sharing these highly-anticipated CGIs, which give people a taste of what the new and improved Strand will look like when we reopen our doors next summer,' she said. 'It was essential to us that the building's heritage was both protected and celebrated, while implementing vital enhancements and features that will strengthen the Strand's offering for future generations to come. 'Over the coming months, our team will continue to support the wider community and keep everyone connected to our treasured venue. 'We've been hosting our popular silver-screenings in Belmont Bowling Club, and we're looking forward to sharing further updates on both the restoration progress, and community activities being held across different locations.' Alongside the support of Belfast City Council, additional funding has been secured from Levelling Up Funding UK, Belfast City Council's Belfast Investment Fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Garfield Weston, Foyle Foundation, Ulster Garden Villages, and a number of private trusts and the support of the Strand's patrons. Meanwhile in the lead up to the Strand's summer 2026 reopening, the venue's fundraising initiative, Name a Seat campaign is calling out for both corporates and individuals to take part and purchase its last remaining plaques that will be placed in its new screen rooms. To find out more about the campaign, or further information about the Strand, visit or connect with @StrandBelfast on Facebook and @ on Instagram.
Belfast Telegraph
27-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
First look at revamped historic cinema in east Belfast
The first images of the major redevelopment of a historic art deco cinema in east Belfast have been released. CGI renders of the Strand cinema's new look show a redesigned building, with the original front canopy replaced by large windows, and a new rooftop sign in the same font as was previously used on the building The Strand, located at the junction of the Holywood and Belmont roads, is undergoing a £6.5m renovation and is scheduled to reopen in summer 2026. A new 'café-bar space' is being added to the front of the building, which will also feature three curved glass windows. As part of the development, 'the building's front façade will be restored with hand-glazed, blue-green terracotta tiles in the same material and style used when the doors first opened 90 years ago.' Accessibility features are being added, with level access and a new lift, while bike stands are being built to 'support active travel.' The reconstruction was designed by Hall Black Douglas architects, and work is being carried out by Ballymena firm Martin & Hamilton Construction, in a build that will create 150 construction-sector jobs. Funding for the redevelopment has come from a variety of sources, including £1.8m from Belfast City Council's Belfast Investment Fund, Levelling Up Funding UK, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Garfield Weston, Foyle Foundation and Ulster Garden Villages alongside a range of private investors. Commenting on the new renders, Mimi Turtle, CEO of the Strand, said: 'We are thrilled to be sharing these highly-anticipated CGIs, which give people a taste of what the new and improved Strand will look like when we reopen our doors next summer. 'It was essential to us that the building's heritage was both protected and celebrated, while implementing vital enhancements and features that will strengthen the Strand's offering for future generations to come. 'Over the coming months, our team will continue to support the wider community and keep everyone connected to our treasured venue. 'We've been hosting our popular silver-screenings in Belmont Bowling Club, and we're looking forward to sharing further updates on both the restoration progress, and community activities being held across different locations.' Until recently, the Strand had found a temporary home in Connswater shopping centre where it spend £15,000 to redecorate a unit near the entrance. They had been holding screenings there, and had displays through which they could share their archive with guests. However, they were forced to move out at short notice in March of this year when the shopping centre was placed into receivership. Strand have been putting on screenings in a variety of local sports clubs, and have plans to continue to do so over the summer. Mrs Turtle said the closure of Connswater had 'left a financial hole' that the charity would 'struggle to recuperate without a solid venue to operate out of over the next year.' Stand were one of five creative organisations that lost premises when Connswater closed which have since found new spaces to operate in, albeit three of them have had to move outside of east Belfast.
Western Telegraph
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Western Telegraph
Historic Belfast picturehouse going back to the future in £6.5 million revamp
The Strand, which is also Belfast's only operational art-deco picturehouse, has released a first look at its £6.5 million face lift, with new CGIs that reveal a return to original art deco features with a contemporary twist. The attraction in east Belfast is set to reopen in summer 2026 following the work supported by Belfast City Council and a £1.8 million commitment from the Belfast Investment Fund. The Strand is Belfast's only operational art-deco picturehouse (Strand Arts Centre/PA) It originally opened on December 7 1935 and survived the bombing blitzes of the Second World War and changing entertainment tastes in the intervening decades while scores of picturehouses and cinemas closed. The images show the restoration of architectural features that were lost over the decades. For the first time, the Strand's name will stand atop its roof, using the original font that previously graced the side of the picturehouse in 1935, while the building's front facade will be restored with hand-glazed, blue-green terracotta tiles in the same material and style used when the doors first opened 90 years ago. Meanwhile the canopy that spanned the front of the building has been removed, restoring the original 1935 profile of the Strand and allowing south-facing sun to fill a new cafe bar space, creating a bright and welcoming hub at the heart of the venue. The ground floor will feature a Crittall-look window, echoing the original curved glass shopfront on the street corner. Bike stands outside will support active travel, while level access and a new lift will make the building fully accessible for the first time, widening the venue's ability to cater for a diverse range of audiences. The Strand originally opened in 1935 and survived the bombing blitzes of the Second World War (Strand Arts Centre/PA) Strand chief executive Mimi Turtle said it is a celebration of the building's heritage. 'We are thrilled to be sharing these highly-anticipated CGIs, which give people a taste of what the new and improved Strand will look like when we reopen our doors next summer,' she said. 'It was essential to us that the building's heritage was both protected and celebrated, while implementing vital enhancements and features that will strengthen the Strand's offering for future generations to come. 'Over the coming months, our team will continue to support the wider community and keep everyone connected to our treasured venue. 'We've been hosting our popular silver-screenings in Belmont Bowling Club, and we're looking forward to sharing further updates on both the restoration progress, and community activities being held across different locations.' Alongside the support of Belfast City Council, additional funding has been secured from Levelling Up Funding UK, Belfast City Council's Belfast Investment Fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Garfield Weston, Foyle Foundation, Ulster Garden Villages, and a number of private trusts and the support of the Strand's patrons. Meanwhile in the lead up to the Strand's summer 2026 reopening, the venue's fundraising initiative, Name a Seat campaign is calling out for both corporates and individuals to take part and purchase its last remaining plaques that will be placed in its new screen rooms. To find out more about the campaign, or further information about the Strand, visit or connect with @StrandBelfast on Facebook and @ on Instagram.
