Revamp plan for historic city building
ONE of the UK’s last remaining 1930s cinemas could reopen as a concert venue in Glasgow.
Govan Housing Association is hoping to buy the B listed Lyceum which is in a poor and deteriorating condition.
The Lyceum opened in December 1938 and sat 2600 people.
Fiona McTaggart, chief executive officer of Govan Housing Association, said: “The Lyceum is a pivotal and historical asset to the Govan community.”
ONE of the last remaining 1930s super cinemas in the UK which has been lying empty for more than a decade could reopen as a concert venue.
Govan Housing Association is hoping to buy the B listed Lyceum which is in a poor and deteriorating condition.
It wants to bring the building back into use for the benefit of local people as a community-owned concert and events venue.
The Lyceum, which opened in December 1938 and sat 2600 people, was built on the site of the 1898 Lyceum Music Hall. It was converted to a cinema in 1923 but burned down 14 years later.
It was rebuilt and in 1974 was bought by County Bingo and converted into a bingo parlour and 480 seat cinema.
The Govan Road cinema closed in 1981 and the bingo hall in 2006 with the Lyceum lying empty ever since.
A report to city councillors says a full range of options are now being considered for its future including acquisition by the housing association and action under planning legislation to safeguard its future.
Fiona McTaggart, chief executive officer of Govan Housing Association, said: “The Lyceum is a pivotal and historical asset to the Govan community.
“Over the years it has provided much entertainment to the people of Govan and drawn people to this proud community from far and wide.
“It’s presence on Govan Road and its future use are vital to the wider social, economic and physical regeneration of Govan.
“It would be great to see the Lyceum restored and brought back into use for the people of Govan, providing local facilities, employment and entertainment again and demonstrating its historical relevance as a pivotal and influential community asset that the people of Govan can take great pride in again.”
The Lyceum is one of a number of key projects regarded as central to the ongoing regeneration of Govan.
The main drivers of the work are the community led Central Govan Action Plan and the Govan Cross Heritage Initiative.
They bring together local residents, councillors, community organisations and other groups including the city council to deliver positive change for the area.
It has resulted in new homes, businesses and community spaces, more attractive shop fronts and public spaces.
Four listed buildings have been repaired and restored and more than 3000 people have taken part in learning and training schemes.
As a result of the work of the two groups, £90million has been invested in the area since 2006.
They are now focusing on a number of new priorities including bringing forward a masterplan for Water Row, Govan’s prime waterfront development site.
The aim is to have the first phase of a mixed use development with 150 new homes complete by 2021.
There are also plans for the sensitive re-development of Govan Old Church as a visitor centre for the historic Govan Stone and a local enterprise hub.
That would provide an important landmark and visitor destination for the Water Row area.
The masterplan also includes the repair of a further six listed build- ings, bringing floorspace back into use, repairing and improving seven tenements and 45 shops, restoring three heritage features, improving one public space, providing new skills and employment for 260 people and engaging 1350 people with heritage projects.
Kenny McLean, the city council’s neighbourhood, housing and public realm spokesman, said: “The success of these projects in Govan has been very welcome and has undoubtedly resulted in a greater confidence in the area from both local residents and businesses.
“I am sure the exciting projects that will be delivered in Govan over the next few years will continue the regeneration of one of our most historic communities.”