From Bristol 24-7
Controversial plans to turn Clifton’s derelict Whiteladies Picture House into flats and a gym have been thrown out.
All six councillors on the Bristol City Council planning committee last night voted against the plan – with one describing the state of the Grade-II listed building as “an embarrassment”.
The cinema, which opened in 1921, has lain derelict for the last 10 years after showing its last film in 2001.
The rejection of the plans leaves the way open for Alan Mandel Butler who, along with David Fells, has worked for the last two years on an ambitious project to regenerate the building into a new centre for the arts.
Mr Mandel Butler told Bristol24-7 last night that the councillors’ decision was “massive news”, adding they were still in discussions with unnamed parties who could provide funding for their own plans.
“It’s a very good day for us. There were over 50 statements and more than 1,600 signatures on our petition, and we have to thank everyone who supported our campaign to stop this development,” he said.
“It was evident the public wanted this building returned as an arts space, so it’s about the council listening to the community here. It goes to show that public opinion can sway the council’s decision and we are very thankful that happened.
“You could see councillors were very affected by the state of the building. Every year, the building has deteriorated, and they could see that nothing has been done to prevent that.
“We are in discussions with certain people at the moment to move our own plans forward that could affect the whole future of the Whiteladies Picture House, and restore it to what it should be.”
Mr Mandel Butler’s and Mr Fells’ plans include using the main auditorium as a performance space for theatre, music, comedy and regular film nights, while the balcony would be used for screenings.
The main ballroom, rare among the cinemas of the time, would be transformed into an area where people can create, put on dance shows, exhibitions, host weddings or private parties.
