Electric Cinema to close for good

We are devastated to discover the Markwick family who run the Electric cinema have made the difficult decision to close down this week, despite healthy attendances. At the end of March the building’s current 88-year lease will come to an end. We understand that a property developer intends to apply for planning permission to demolish most of Station Street - except for the Grade II listed Old Rep Theatre - to make way for a fifty-storey apartment block.

This would be a deeply damaging move for Birmingham.

1) This is a building of enormous historical significance. The city’s first full-time film venue when it opened in late 1909, the Electric embodies the history of cinema in its many chapters: from silents and newsreels to cartoons and blockbusters, from sex comedies and arthouse double-bills to the boutique sofa offer of today. There are very few places in the world that have been showing films almost continuously in the same location for 114 years.

2) That doesn’t mean it’s a movie mausoleum. This is a living, breathing cultural venue where people gather to enjoy the communal big-screen experience. At a time when independent cinemas are facing huge challenges, in a city which is under-screened relative to its population size, why would we want to lose a viable business like this?

3) In order to attract people to live, work and play here, we need to protect and nurture the things that are unique to our city. There is a reason why the Electric features in so many international travel guides, why you can find it in the Legoland version of Birmingham. Because there is nothing else like it, and it tells a story about this place.

With a plan for investment and renewal Station Street could be a jewel in the city centre, a heritage corridor right next to New St Station where within a few hundred yards visitors can find: The Crown, the pub which helped introduce Black Sabbath to the world; The Old Rep, the country’s first repertory theatre; and The Electric, repository for over a century of film history. In the right circumstances all three venues have the potential to embark on new chapters which will enrich people’s lives and put Birmingham on the cultural map.

Clearly our city has already had enough bad news this week. However, if we don’t want to lose the Electric then time is of the essence. We will share any news as and when we hear it, and there will be a public meeting soon to discuss a potential future for Station Street.

Lawrence Barton, Chairman of Southside Bid said “As the country’s oldest working cinema, serving audiences since 1909, the Electric has an important part to play not just in the cultural history of Birmingham but the country. To lose such a well-loved cinema would be a huge loss to our city”