AFTER almost 40 years films could be shown at Govan’s historic “super cinema” – the Lyceum – once more.

The owner of the deteriorating 1930s property is planning to reopen a section of the site as a cinema, a council report has revealed.

Films have not been screened in the building, which is on the “at risk” register, since 1981 and its doors were shut completely in 2006, when a bingo hall was closed.

Councillors will hear about the regeneration of Govan at a meeting next week and a report states: “The building is in private ownership and the owner has recently intimated an intention to improve the front elevation, mainly by repainting, and reopen a portion of the building as a cinema.”

Glasgow Times:

But there is “some concern” repairs won’t be carried out and an alternative plan to open a music venue in the cinema has been proposed.

“While this [the cinema] would be welcome, there is, based on previous track record, some concern amongst some members of the local community that this will happen,” the report continues.

“Accordingly, alternative community proposals are being promoted by Govan Housing Association, which aim to bring the building into community ownership as a music event venue.”

Glasgow Times:

Council officers are supportive of proposals to “sensitively restore” the category B-listed building so it can be brought “back into productive use for the benefit of the local community”.

In 2017, it was reported Govan Housing Association wanted to buy the Lyceum to provide a community-owned concert and events venue.

The Lyceum originally opened in December 1938, seating 2600 people. It was built on the site of the 1899 Lyceum Theatre, which had burned down.

In 1974, the auditorium was split, with bingo in the stalls and a 480-seat cinema on the balcony. The cinema closed in 1981 and the bingo hall shut in 2006.

Glasgow Times:

Other projects included in the report on the regeneration of Govan include the Govan-Partick bridge,the redevelopment of Water Row and the Govan Old Campus masterplan.

Proposals for Water Row include mid-market rented accommodation, which will be funded through the council’s housing investment programme and ground and first-floor space for commercial and community use.

Glasgow Times:

The redevelopment of the former Govan Old Parish Church is set to showcase the Govan Stones as well provide office space, catering for around 70 employees.

And the Govan Cross Townscape Heritage Initiative and Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme has seen a £900,000 scheme to improve the public realm, including protected cycle infrastructure and repairs to the war memorial.