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The Herald Scotland
11-07-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Attempt to strip historic Glasgow Vogue cinema's listed status fails
The Art Deco cinema - also known as The Mecca – faced being torn down in 2023, but Glasgow City Council issued a building preservation notice in January 2024. It was then granted listed status by Historic Environment Scotland following an inspection, only for this to be appealed by owners Allied Vehicles. The Scottish Government's reporter has now thrown out that appeal, after considering the 'cultural significance' of the cinema and its unique, historic architecture. The reporter's investigation has now been made public. Dismissing the appeal, they said: 'In the circumstances of this case, I find that what remains of the building is of special architectural and historic interest. 'There are no factors which would justify the building not being listed. Consequently, the building should remain listed.' The Art Deco Vogue opened in 1933 (Image: NQ) With a storied history serving the community of Possilpark, the Vogue was built in 1933 to a design by the renowned architect James McKissak, and has been used as a cinema and bingo hall. Much of the building has become derelict, but the front structure remains, as do some of the architectural features. Now the appeal has been dismissed, the building will be subject to strict controls and will be protected from demolition unless it become too dangerous to leave standing. The owners will also have a duty to preserve what remains. The report said: 'I have considered the building's design, architecture, age and rarity; its setting and historical location, function and importance; and its social and cultural significance together with the changes over time which have altered the building and its surrounds. 'I agree with HES that cinemas as a building type were once common across Scotland but those surviving from the 1930s period are now exceptional. Architect Professor Alan Dunlop, who has been vocal in his support of retaining the cinema, said he was 'delighted' the appeal had been rejected. The architect believes it is now time for a 'reasonable compromise' to resolve the situation, and called for the owner to submit a new planning application which preserves what remains of the building. Professor Alan Dunlop outside the Vogue Cinema (Image: NQ) Prof Dunlop, a Fellow Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, said: 'As someone born in Springburn and who lived just off Hawthorn Street, close to the junction of Balmore Road, the Vogue Cinema was distinctive and it marked an important road junction. 'The Springburn that I knew, particularly Springburn Road which was once a thriving shopping and community street, has been destroyed, The Princess Cinema on Gourley Street and many other buildings of architectural merit have been demolished. 'Possilpark now seems to be suffering the same fate. The Vogue Cinema is not a classic but it is the only building of any character and architectural worth left in this area of Possilpark and certainly worthy of retaining.' He added: 'As an architect with forty years experience of building major projects, including working with listed buildings and on conservation projects, bringing them back to life, I know this building can be and should be saved. 'Granting the appeal would have created an unwelcome precedent and perverse incentive for any owner to unilaterally seek to demolish a building that is subject to a designation assessment before Historic Environment Scotland has had the opportunity to conclude its assessment.
Glasgow Times
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Last-minute plea to save historic Glasgow Vouge cinema
Members of the International Coalition of Art Deco Societies (ICADS) wrote to the Scottish Government and the city's planning department to keep the Possilpark building. The group, working to preserve and celebrate Art Deco architecture and design, urged decision-makers not to pull down the site but instead retain it. In a letter, they also argued the demolition would "permanently erase a historic local landmark that is an icon for the neighbourhood, the local culture and a representation of architectural history that encapsulates an important cinema." (Image: Pictures of the former Vogue Cinema on Balmore Road, Glasgow. Images taken by Gordon Terris, Newsque) (Image: Pictures of the former Vogue Cinema on Balmore Road, Glasgow. Images taken by Gordon Terris, Newsque) The document added: "The cinema was built by James McKissak an eminent architect who is well recognised for his design of several cinemas in the style moderne, particularly in Glasgow and Edinburgh, that lent the name 'cinema city' to Glasgow." The Balmore Road building's fate will be decided on Friday this week by a government official. At a meeting in late March, representatives of Historic Environment Scotland (HES), Glasgow City Council and site owner Allied Vehicles discussed the case, which is now with the Scottish Government's planning and environmental appeals division. (Image: Images taken by Colin Mearns, Newsquest) READ NEXT: Date set for final decision on Glasgow Vogue cinema's fate Glasgow residents torn over former Vogue cinema demolition Initially, the cinema was earmarked to be knocked down in 2023 but the council issued a building preservation notice in January 2024. Then, it was given legal protection after HES listed it as a building of special historical and architectural interest last June. In September last year, Allied Vehicles submitted an appeal, arguing that the structure should be pulled down despite its status. We previously reported that locals were divided about the plans for the C-listed structure and a petition to save it was signed by 3764 people. Many recalled fond memories of watching films there, some, however, argued it's an eyesore that would just rot away without intervention. Formerly a cinema and bingo hall, the Vogue was erected in 1933.
