Frustration at fate of listed former cinema stuck in limbo

A Grade II-listed former cinema remains on the market almost a year after Lidl backed out of plans to move in and restore parts of the building.

ECHO readers have been venting their frustrations in our comments section about the fate of the Wavertree landmark - including leveling criticism at the campaign that saved it in the first place. The Abbey Cinema was once a favourite of The Beatles' John Lennon and George Harrison, operating for 40 years.

It was also used as a bingo hall and snooker hall before supermarkets took an interest in the site. More recently, it housed a Co-Op, before Lidl bought it and initially planned to demolish it.

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A campaign to preserve the old cinema succeeded in 2021, and the budget supermarket brand dropped revised plans last year.

Commenter Painkiller81 isn't a fan: “Its an eyesore, like a lot of listed buildings." Neither is Jonlfc - “Knock it down and build homes! What's the point having a listed building if it remains derelict?"

Some thought the listing of The Abbey was the wrong move and railed against the campaign, like Kittyqueen: "The Wavertree village conservation area is about conserving a community not just buildings. The community is crying out for a new supermarket as what was once a bustling shopping street is now dying on its feet."

Bigt thinks it was a missed opportunity: “Lidl would have been good for the area but certain parties campaigned to save it because Lennon/Harrison may have visited it 60+ years ago. Waiting for it to go up in smoke as now it's listed, it makes any renovation highly priced. We are stuck with a decaying derelict edifice.”

Bigtagsy went further, calling for no preservation without a plan for the future: “Should be a clause added to any application for listing of a building confirming that those making the application and those backing it have the resources to pay for appropriate renovations.”

It's the planning system that annoys Bobbyspinks'. They said: “If the locals are going to kick off every time planning permission is sought, then they deserve to have a decaying eyesore on their steps.”

Scouseinthehouse thinks there's opportunity for other developments. The commented: “Oh who wants a Lidl anyway, there’s loads of shops everywhere, could be some flats even.” NOTaTory thinks there is more potential in it than that: “This is a listed building, surely we have more vision than allowing another supermarket or flats on this site?”

OVERMAN said: “Sometimes I don't get what this listed status means to the good of a building and area. Some of these gems are listed and left to rot because no one is coming forward with a viable plan. Viable planning and listing needs to work hand in hand at the concept so there is continued protection and use.”

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Was the listing of The Abbey the right move for Wavertree? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.