Former Vogue Cinema in Glasgow saved from demolition

The building, which sits on Balmore Road, has now been given legal protection after Historic Environment Scotland (HES) listed it as a building of special historical and architectural interest.

The exterior of the building is now C- listed.

It comes after Glasgow City Council served a building preservation notice back in January in a last-minute bid to halt the demolition process after Historic Environment Scotland (HES) originally declined to list the building.

(Image: Images taken by Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

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A spokesperson for HES said: “An initial designation assessment last year found that the building met the criteria of special historic or architectural interest. However, in line with Designations policy, the building was not listed as the site was subject to development proposals which were at an advanced stage.

“In January 2024, the Glasgow City Council issued a Building Preservation Notice and requested that HES consider the building for listing.

“The former ‘super cinema’ in Possilpark first opened in 1933 with 1600 seats. In 1950, with new owners, the cinema was renamed the Vogue Cinema. It continued operating as a cinema for 18 years. In April 1968, the building was converted to a bingo hall.

“The building’s design is notable as a surviving example of modern-classical cinema design, which remains largely unaltered to its principal elevation. 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.”

(Image: Images taken by Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

The decision means the owners Allied Vehicles will not go ahead with their demolition plans and HES will have a say in any and all development plans for the site. 

MSP Paul Sweeney said he met with Allied Vehicles late last year and they explained they had future expansion plans involving the site. 

He added: "There has been considerable local outcry about the potential loss of this historic cinema building in Possilpark, which has been a local landmark for 90 years and Historic Environment Scotland officers have now independently judged it worthy of being listed."

Eminent Glasgow architect Alan Dunlop has prepared two concept drawing that show how the main façade is retained and integrated into the new-build development. Grant funds are also an option to help cover any extra cost to retain the public frontage of a listed building, especially in a deprived area.

Paul Sweeney said that he would be keen to work with the owner of the building to explore that option further.

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The U-turn will come as good news to a lot of locals who spoke to the Glasgow Times back in January when demolition plans where still up in the air. 

(Image: Image of William)

William Cranston, 74, had said: “I remember as a kid going to the matinee at the Vogue Cinema in the afternoon.

“I used to work at the shipyards, and I’d come home, go to the cinema, and just relax and watch a good movie.

“The building should be saved, shouldn’t it? It’s a nice building and a historic one. I think it should be kept.”

(Image: Image of Mary)

Another local Mary believed that preserving the building is important for the city's future. 

The 68-year-old explained: “It’s an important place for the community and it’s a listed building as well.

“These buildings have to be saved - they’re important to the future of Glasgow.”

There will now be a six-month appeal (against the listing) window.