Hull's historic cinema is set to become a cultural landmark

The National Picture Theatre on Beverley Road, which still bears the scars of a World War Two bombing raid is being given a new lease of life.

The cinema was the “last surviving civilian bomb-damaged building” from the period and was granted Grade II listed status in 2007, due to its significance.

With 1,050 seats and balcony, the cinema was long and narrow and opened on 23 December 1914.

Restoration work is already underway thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Hull City Council and the National Civilian World War II Memorial Trust (NCWW2MT).

Works to preserve the site for future generations include the replacement of period windows, stabilisation and restoration of the red brick façade and new lighting.

The open space where the auditorium once stood will be used to create a flexible education and community events area and war memorial, enabling visitors to learn about the life of civilians in the Second World War.

Hull was one of the worst-affected cities in the country during the Blitz and had to face air raids for longer than any other place in Britain.

The restoration programme is expected to take around five months to complete.

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