Call for former Glasgow cinema to be turned into music venue

The Lyceum Cinema, which sits on Govan Road, opened in December 1938 to bring movies and memories to Glaswegians.

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(Image: GV of the former Lyceum cinema on Govan Road, Glasgow. Pictures by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

However, the B-listed building – designed by Glasgow ABC architect Charles McNair - was sold in 1974. It then partially became a bingo hall after film screenings stopped in 1981. The building was then sold to Gala Bingo in 2006 who closed the premises down the same year.

The cinema has since been listed on the Buildings at Risk Register and has been targeted by vandals.

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(Image: Image of Richard Bell, supplied to the Glasgow Times)

But one local councillor is determined to revamp the space and give it back to the people of Govan. 

Speaking to the Glasgow Times, Richard Bell said: “The Lyceum Cinema is a stunning building, and it is iconic for the people of Govan.

“The people of Govan have absolutely fabulous memories of going there and when I ask them, they always say ‘I remember going with my mum and my dad, things like that.’

“We have the new bridge in Govan now, and we want to make sure it is a bridge that brings people into Govan, rather than taking people out. So, we need to attract people into Govan as much as we can - it is key to economic regeneration.”

(Image: Images by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

So, what exactly has Councillor Bell got in mind?

“One of the things that appeals to me is turning the building into a music venue at night,” he explained. 

He continued: “This isn’t the idea, but rather just one of them.

“But I think a music venue in Govan would bring people from all over the city and the world to this part of the city. It would mean that Govan would get some extra regeneration and money.”

But the building would aim to serve the community as much as possible too. 

Councillor Bell said: “If we had the building opening as a music venue at night, we could open it during the day to community organisations.

“So, if we have something that brings in money and serves the community, then it’s a win-win for Govan.”

(Image: Images by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

Councillor Bell added that several community organisations in the area have already been in touch to share their desire to work in the space.

But he must first acquire the historical building from Mohammed Choudry of Versatyle LTD, who bought the Lyceum 10 years ago, according to the city’s licensing board.

Mr Choudhry was approved for an alcohol licence earlier this year after expressing plans to install a cinema, function suite and café into the space. But no moves have been made yet. 

Councillor Bell explained that the idea would be to buy the building off  MrChowdry using various historical building grants (usually funded by the likes National Lottery Fund).

He emphasised that this is not a Glasgow City Council project.

(Image: Images by Colin Mearns, Newsquest)

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To buy the building, significant local interest has to be shown – which led the councillor to spearhead and launch a petition earlier this week.

The petition must be signed in person by residents who live near the Lyceum.

Councillor Bell said: “We have had a lot of people signing the petition and a massive interest in people who want to sign it but who might not live in the immediate area.

“To ensure that locals have the chance to sign the petition, we have been going door to door and people have been so excited about the idea of revamping the space.

“We even did a pop-up in the shopping centre and had a queue of people waiting to sign the petition.”

He added: “There is no doubt an overwhelming support in Govan for this move.”

(Image: Image of Paul Sweeney)

Paul Sweeney MSP has agreed with Councillor Bell’s plans for the former super-cinema. 

He said: “After the restoration of the A-listed Fairfield drawing offices a decade ago, the B-listed Lyceum is one of the last derelict buildings on Govan Road and it has been frustrating to watch its continued decline since it closed as a bingo hall in 2006, particularly as it is one of Glasgow’s last surviving Streamline Moderne urban super-cinema, dating from 1938. It was designed by Charles McNair, who was also the architect of the ABC on Sauchiehall Street, the façade of which is now threatened with demolition.

“I fully support this effort by Councillor Bell, particularly after the botched planning application by the current owner was rejected in 2021 which has stalled efforts to bring the building back into productive use.

“It is clear to me that a change in ownership is now necessary if the Lyceum is to have a future. I would be keen to see the 2017 proposal for Govan Housing Association to acquire the building revived - via a back-to-back Compulsory Purchase Order if necessary - as they are probably the best-placed community organisation with sufficient scale to take on the project.”