'Super cinema' from the 1930s step closer to reopening

A ‘super-cinema’ is a step closer to reopening its doors after plans to renovate the ‘at risk’ building were submitted.

The Lyceum on Govan Road, Glasgow, dates back to the 1930s but hasn’t screened films since 1981 and the premises was shut down in 2006 when a bingo hall was closed.

But now an application has been sent to Glasgow City Council seeking permission to use the building as a cinema, concert hall and restaurant.

It has been submitted by Mohammad Choudry of Versatyle Ltd, which has offices registered at the site.

Mr Choudry’s plans state: “There are alterations to be carried out that will turn this class B listed building into a restaurant, concert hall including cafeteria area and the cinema.”

They reveal the cinema, which could seat around 500 people, would be on the first floor and open 11am to midnight from Monday to Friday and 11am to 1am at weekends.

The concert hall, on the ground floor, could host musicians and bingo nights or be used for functions and conferences, the plans add.

It could cater for between 800 and 1400 people depending on the lay-out and event, with the option for round table, cinema-style or standing.

The restaurant would hold 90 people and open from from noon until 2.30pm and then 5pm to 10.30pm but “could vary at weekends”.

The Lyceum originally opened in December 1938, seating 2600 people. It was built on the site of the 1899 Lyceum Theatre, which had burned down.

In 1974, the auditorium was split, with bingo in the stalls and a 480-seat cinema on the balcony.

Story by local democracy reporter Drew Sandelands