News / Church Road
Plans for former Wetherspoons pub on Church Road withdrawn
The fate of a former Wetherspoons pub that has a historic cinema above is currently unknown as plans to redevelop the building have been withdrawn.
Lawrence Hill-based developers Landrose had submitted proposals to build 14 flats – to house 44 bedsits – as well as a gym, taproom and shared workspace facilities in the empty property on Church Road.
Their plans included space that could be used for a “community-run boutique” 20-seat cinema, but residents wanted to see the original 75-seat art deco cinema restored instead.
is needed now More than ever
They mounted a campaign to save the historic picture house, which is largely intact despite closing in 1961. A petition calling for it to be saved has gained more than 9,600 signatures as well as high-profile backing from the likes of comedian Stephen Merchant and his dad, Ron.
Save Redfield Cinema’s vision for the building includes the creation of a community kitchen, events space, meeting space and housing provision, as well as restoration of the old cinema.
St George’s Hall Electric Palace opened in 1912, with the cinema extended and renamed St George’s Picture House in 1927, before becoming the Granada in 1935.
It closed in 1961, becoming a bingo hall for around three decades. The foyer area of the site opened as a Wetherspoons pub, St George’s Hall, in 1998.
Residents mounted a campaign to save the historic Redfield Cinema, which closed in 1961 – photo: Ellie Pipe
It is unclear what Landrose’s decision to withdraw plans will mean for the future of the building. Bristol24/7 has attempted to contact the developers to find out more.
In the meantime, the reaction from Save Redfield Cinema campaigners is tentatively positive.
Writing on the group’s Facebook page, campaigner Paul Burke said he had recently spoken with the owner of the property “where they agreed and disagreed about all sorts of things relating to the building and the campaign”.
Paul continued: “Where we landed was that a sensible next step is a proper agenda for a meeting and to really go through realistic compromises to see if there is an outcome that works for everyone.
“To all of you who objected, shared posts and have spoken positively about what the building has the possibility to be, you should be absolutely sure you have been heard.”
The fate of St Georges Hall, a former Wetherspoons pub on Church Road, remains unknown – photo: Ellie Pipe
Main photo: Ellie Pipe
Read more: Stephen Merchant and his dad back Redfield Cinema campaign
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