Andy GiddingsBBC News Online
BBCThe mayor of the West Midlands has promised action following the closure of a popular independent cinema in Birmingham.
The Electric Cinema in Station Street, with its art-deco frontage and two screens, 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 foreseeable future. The Markwicks have been contacted for comment.
Mr Street said on X the “potential loss of such an iconic heritage building is deeply concerning” and promised an investigation by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
He also said he had “no intention of standing by and seeing the region’s cultural sector decline”.
The mayor pledged that he and the WMCA “fully intend to put money where our mouths are” and hoped to have “concrete news on our actions soon”.
There was a show of support for the cinema on social media, with BBC 6 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 posted: “Losing The Electric would be devastating for Birmingham. Its history and role in the city should have secured protection some time ago.”
An online petition has been set up calling for Station Street, where the cinema is situated, to be designated as a historic, cultural and civic asset and has been signed by almost 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.
Mr Street said he was aware of the development concerns and had written to the government to ask if The Crown could be given listed status.
He described Station Street as “just the tip of the iceberg” and said: “The closure of The Electric Cinema is a lightning rod for people’s deep concerns about the future.”
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.
Mr Francis 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.
“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 had seen “a real outpouring of grief” following the closure and 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.”
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