Petition launched to save UK's oldest working cinema

The Electric Cinema in Birmingham is the UK's oldest working cinema having first opened its doors in 1909.

Published 1st Mar 2024

A petition has been launched to try to save the Electric Cinema on Station Street in Birmingham after it was announced it is closed.

It first opened 115 years ago and is thought to be the UK's oldest working cinema.

Southside District - an organisation to help improve business in the area - launched a petition to the Birmingham City Council to save the cinema.

Writing on the online petition, Southside District called it a "site of historical value."

It continued: "The Electric. An Art-Deco masterpiece and, at 115 years old is the oldest working cinema in the UK."

We have contacted the council for a comment.

People have taken to social media to express their disappointment at the news. Local historian Dr Helen Ingram said: "It was extremely popular and hosted the most amazing events. I'm absolutely gutted."

The Electric Cinema came under new management in 2021 while it was still closed during the pandemic. It re-opened in January 2022 after being closed for almost two years.

It had a £250,000 renovation in 2004.

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