Liverpool’s oldest surviving cinema is set to finally reopen its doors.
Woolton Picture House closed in 2020 after 93 years in operation with the coronavirus pandemic attributed to a significant loss in footfall.
But the historic venue is set to undergo a significant renovation after Kevin Fearon and Gillian Miller struck a deal to purchase it from the current owner.
The couple, who previously transformed the city’s Royal Court theatre, have established a Community Interest Company (CIC) to oversee its revival.
A sale completion date is expected to take place before May 2026 while there are plans to raise £250.000 to help with the refurbishment of the theatre.
The public fundraising campaign will launch in July and only be used once the target is met. Any unfulfilled donations would be returned should it fall short.
Local residents are set to be invited to provide their input on the cinema’s future through community consultation and volunteer opportunities.
Gillian said: “Last year Kevin and I were walking back home from a lovely evening in the Pickled Olive.
“We walked up Mason Street, past the Picturehouse and thought what a shame it was that it wasn’t open.
“A few days later, after some research at Companies House and the Land Registry we made contact with the owner.
“Now we have the keys to the building and our ambitions are public, we can begin the raising of funds.
“We want as many people as possible to become involved in this project. Woolton Picture House is only going to reopen and then stay open if it has the real support of the community.
“As soon as we can we want to invite interested parties to come into the cinema and hopefully be won over by its magic, its potential and our plans.
“The pace at which things can happen depends on two key things: how much do people want to be involved in helping and how quickly can we raise the funds?”