News of Woolton Picture House's reopening plans has been welcomed but there is disappointment that it will not open this year.
The cinema, which first opened its doors in 1927, has remained closed since the Covid-19 pandemic. Having been hit hard by the economic impact of lockdowns, the cinema had announced it was closing for good in July 2020, but it was rescued by government funding and a GoFundMe campaign.
In December 2021, the cinema's owners stated they were working towards opening in 2022. However, no further public updates were provided until last month, when the owners wished to provide assurance that they still planned to reopen after a period of silence.
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On Tuesday (October 4), a post on the cinema's Facebook unveiled its plans for the future. The post revealed it will not open in 2022 - instead aiming for Spring 2023.
Additionally, Woolton Picture House plans a second phase of reopening, which could see it opening a second screen, a stage and a function suite, turning it into a "cultural venue". This will require planning permission, for which the cinema will look to apply in Spring 2023.
Woolton residents have offered their opinions on the future plans. Many are pleased to have heard from the cinema's owners after a long period without communication, but there is some concern regarding the prospect of expansion to the cinema and its 20th century building.
Woolton and Gateacre's Liberal Democrat councillor Kris Brown is optimistic about the cinema's ideas, despite being disappointed that an opening date has been pushed back. He told the ECHO : “On paper this sound like good plans and very ambitious. However, it is disappointing that the goalposts have yet again been moved in terms of reopening.
"A lot of public interest and money has been put in to support the cinema’s reopening. I want to be the first to be there to grab a ticket, some popcorn and a drink. So I’m anxious progress is made soon.”
A number of Woolton residents commented on the Facebook post from Woolton Picture House. Most commenters were pleased to see the plans presented, though there were some caveats.
Michelle Jones Long said: "Good luck with your plans to diversify. Looking forward to seeing what it will look like."
Michelle Kunkel-Greer said: "Such fantastic news that you will hopefully be opening again in Spring and great to hear about the new, second screen and function room. I really hope that both the current auditorium and the foyer will remain as unchanged as possible.
"The whole experience of visiting your cinema is what people love. We can go to watch a film at any modern cinema but it’s the history of The Woolton that makes it special and different from anywhere else."
Stella Cummings added: "Thank you for the up date and can’t wait to be sitting on those comfy chairs and the curtains opening".
Naomi Eccleshall was less enthusiastic, saying: "What are the business reasons for needing to expand the cinema? The cinema always seemed to be doing well as it was without function rooms and another screen." She added: " If there's a reason to do it and it can be done without harming the aesthetic of the building (or driving the residents up the wall) then I'd be happy to see it go ahead."
The ECHO has contacted Woolton Picture House for further comment about its Phase Two plans.
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