Historic Glasgow cinema could be set for revamp with concerts, events, cinema and cafe

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The historic Lyceum cinema in Glasgow, which has been lying empty for over a decade, could re-open as early as next year under 'positive' plans.

The owners, Mohammad Choudhry, bought the building a decade ago, and has now announced that the cinema could again to movie-goers in mid 2025 as a website detailing plans was launched. According to the site, the rebranded Lyceum Hub could be turned into a multi-functional facility featuring concerts, events, cinema and a cafe.

It was previously revealed that an alcohol licence for the B listed building was granted in March. At the time an agent for the owner said that Mr Choudhry had invested "substantial" money into the Govan Road premises, reports Glasgow Live.

A previous application in 2021, which included for external alterations, was rejected after Glasgow City Council planners ruled that the revamp would “detrimentally impact” the B-listed building. However, MSP Paul Sweeney has said that he is 'positive' about the future of the building following a visit with Glasgow South West MP Dr Zubir Ahmed on November 2.

He said: "The building is in remarkably good condition considering it has been derelict for 20 years. I'm fairly upbeat about its prospects of being revived as a venue and I think the owner Mr Choudhry is keen to do something constructive with it.

"He he expressed his desire to turn it into a community and cultural asset that will draw people into Govan, especially with the new bridge opening. He was talking about an art performance venue for events like weddings or for concerts almost like the 02 Academy. There's a lot of imagination there.

"It's got, still a lot of its original retro features, a kind of fusion of 1930s Art Deco and 1970s kind of Kubrick esque psychedelic carpets. It's an interesting place, a bit of a time capsule.

"It's got a large social history in Govan, particularly with its use for mass meetings during the upper Clyde ship builders work-in. So it has got an interesting history and it'd be good to see revived. I and Dr Zubir are keen to work constructively with the owner."

The politician added that there had been a lot of frustration between the owner and the Glasgow City Council over a lack of formal dialog or positive discussions over how to proceed with a planning application. Adding that the owner was alarmed to hear of a public campaign backed by a city councillor in August, calling for the building to be brought into public hands.

The cinema, which was designed by Glasgow ABC architect Charles McNair, originally opened in December 1938, but it hasn't screened films since 1981 and last operated as a bingo hall before shutting down back on 2006.

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