Mayor pledges action as UK's oldest cinema shuts

BBC

The organiser of a Birmingham film festival said there has been "a real outpouring of grief" following the closure of a popular independent cinema.

The Electric Cinema, with its art-deco frontage and two screens in Station Street, first opened in 1909 and is thought to be the oldest working cinema in the UK.

It shut during the pandemic but reopened in 2022 with Kevin Markwick and daughter Katie taking over.

But news broke on Thursday that the cinema was closing for the forseeable future. The Markwicks have been contacted for comment.

'Terrible news'

There was a show of support for the cinema on social media with Six Music presenter and author Stuart Maconie describing it as terrible news.

"Was here twice in last couple of weeks. I hope it can be revived," he said on X.

Former Birmingham Post editor, Stacey Barnfield said on X: "Losing The Electric would be devastating for Birmingham. Its history and role in the city should have secured protection some time ago."

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An online petition has been set up calling for Station Street, where the cinema is situated, to be designated as an historic, cultural and civic asset and has been signed by close to 4,000 people.

The petition highlights fears the area could be redeveloped. Birmingham City Council has been asked to comment.

Earlier this month, it was announced the Crown Pub, also on Station Street and the venue where Birmingham rockers Black Sabbath played their first gig would not reopen after plans to restore it fell apart.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said the latest news about the Electric was concerning and the West Midlands Combined Authority would investigate.

He also said he had written to the government to ask if The Crown could be given listed status and added Station Street was the tip of the iceberg when it comes to concerns about the future of the arts and cultural scene.

He added he had no intention of standing by and hoped to share news about concrete actions soon.

Ian Francis, who runs the Flatpack Film Festival, an annual festival which shows at venues across the city, said he had been aware the Electric's lease had been up for renewal.

He had been hoping to book the screens at the Electric for this year's festival, but told BBC Radio WM: "It became clear from conversations with the venue that it wasn’t going to be possible this year."

Mr Francis added: "We knew that the lease was coming to a close and there were some negotiations over a new lease and last week we found out that Kevin, the guy who’s been running the place for the last couple of years has unfortunately decided to close the doors."

Mr Francis said he was not ready to accept The Electric has gone for good.

"At the moment it’s future is uncertain, but we will be fighting it.

"I think a lot of people will be fighting this."