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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Alasdair Ferguson

Historic cinema saved at last minute from demolition after securing listed status

A HISTORIC cinema building has been saved at the last minute from demolition after it was granted listed status.

Mecca Cinema in Possilpark, Glasgow, was granted listed status after Historic Environment Scotland (HES) ruled the building met the criteria of special historic or architectural interest.

The news comes after owners Allied Vehicles of the building began demolishing the old cinema after being granted permission from the Glasgow City Council.

The local authority then ordered a last-minute Building Preservation Notice in January 2024.

It requested that HES consider the old Mecca Cinema building for listing which the public body has decided to grant it as C-listed status.

The iconic cinema located in Possilpark first opened its doors to the public in 1933 with an impressive total of 1600 seats. The cinema was renamed by its new owners in 1950 to the Vogue Cinema and continued operating as a cinema for 18 years.

The building was converted to a bingo hall in April 1968.

Historic Environment Scotland’s report outlined: “The building’s design is notable as a surviving example of modern-classical cinema design, which remains largely unaltered to its principal elevation

Architect Alan Dunlop pictured in front of the former Vogue cinema on Balmore Road, Possilpark, Glasgow (image: NQ)

“The building is also of special interest due to its architect, James McKissack, who was one of Scotland’s leading cinema designers.

“The cinema is an architectural landmark in the streetscape and its wider setting in Possilpark.”

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