The Grade II-listed building dates back to 1914 and is the country's only surviving gas-lit cinema. It was awarded a £285,600 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Culture Recovery Fund to allow much-needed redevelopment to continue despite extended closures and reduced income. The multi-million-pound scheme will safeguard the cinema’s nationally significant heritage, including repair and conservation of its unique gas lamps, Burmantofts-tiled facade, original terrazzo flooring and Grade II listed exterior lamppost. Work is set to start in April. News of the latest funding follows a £2.3million National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, awarded to the Picture House Project 2018, as well as crucial support from Leeds City Council, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the British Film Institute and others.
7. Extension
The plans include a new ramped entrance, accessible toilets, and an expanded foyer.
8. Extension
Head of Cinema Wendy Cook said: "Not only will this project revitalise and safeguard a building that so many of us love, but it will allow the cinema to become a more inclusive venue, welcoming new audiences thanks to an expanded film programme, huge improvements to accessibility and new community-focused activity for visitors young and old."
10. Model
Chris Blythe, CEO of Leeds Heritage Theatres, said: “These past 12 months have been extraordinarily difficult for all three of our heritage venues, but they’ve also shown us why plans to invest in our collective future are needed now more than ever."