Liverpool’s oldest surviving cinema has been saved after a mystery benefactor bought the Woolton Picture House and handed it to a community group on long-term peppercorn rent. Refurbishment plans are now underway.
The Woolton Picture House in Liverpool has entered a new phase of its history, following a successful, community-led campaign to secure its future. An anonymous donor recently purchased the building and entered into a 100-year lease arrangement with the Woolton Cinema CIC, an organization dedicated to the cinema's preservation. Since the fundraising efforts began in October, the community has contributed more than half a million pounds. This total has surpassed the campaign’s initial target of 450,000 pounds, ensuring the venue will continue to operate as a pillar of the local area.
According to Kevin Fearon of Woolton Cinema CIC, the achievement was the result of a collective effort involving donors, volunteers, and local tradespeople who donated their services. “It’s taken everybody to make this work,” Fearon said, noting that the overwhelming support reflects the deep affection the community holds for the building. With the immediate future of the cinema secured, the latest agreement allows all public donations to be directed toward future operations and the refurbishment of the venue rather than property costs.
Organizers plan to expand the facility's offerings beyond film screenings to include live performances and community-led events. This will involve creating a stage area in front of the screen and leveling parts of the auditorium, which will provide more flexible space for workshops, independent screenings, and educational programs. As the oldest surviving picture house in Liverpool, the venue is poised to become a more active hub for the surrounding area. Campaign representatives emphasize that this milestone is just the start, as they prepare to transition the cinema into a versatile space that serves as both a cultural landmark and a center for wider community involvement.
