Former cinema to be revamped as music venue

PLANS for an £11m revamp of the former ABC cinema on Lime Street in Liverpool have been unveiled by developer Neptune.

This follows the start of work on the regeneration of the street’s eastern terrace, with Neptune set to table the ABC planning application, possibly next month.

The latest scheme has been hatched following the recent decision by the Court of Appeal to reject a bid by SAVE Britain’s Heritage to overturn planning permission for the £39m regeneration of Lime Street by Neptune.

“We couldn’t make progress with a planning application until we were certain work could go ahead on the Eastern terrace,’ said Neptune Developments’ managing director Steve Parry.

“But starting work gives confidence to investors that the ABC project is going to form part of a much wider regeneration programme.”

Under proposals to be submitted to Liverpool City Council, the Grade II-listed former cinema would be converted into a multi-use music and entertainment venue, providing a striking landmark as visitors leave Lime Street station.

The building occupies a prominent corner position sweeping around from Lime Street into Elliot Street, which is currently undergoing a £3.5m road surface improvement scheme.

The announcement comes as Liverpool City Council recently announced a £45m city centre connectivity programme that proposes to remodel Lime Street which will reduce bus traffic and expand St George’s plateau.

“We are in advanced discussions with operators and we believe it will be a fantastic venue of international standing and, given where it’s positioned, it will be saying welcome to Liverpool.”

If approved, the new ABC is likely to include a music venue, TV broadcast facilities, bars and restaurants, with the flexibility to host all kinds of live music events.

The ABC cinema opened in 1931 as the Forum Cinema and was a fixture of the city centre entertainment scene until it closed in 1998.

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