Historic Glasgow cinema looks set to be saved as opening date given amid 'positive' plans

The historic Lyceum cinema in Govan, which has been lying empty for over a decade, could re-open as early as next year under 'positive' plans from its owner.

Mohammad Choudhry, who bought the building a decade ago, has announced that the cinema could again to movie-goers in mid 2025 as a website detailing plans was launched. According to the site, the rebranded Lyceum Hub could be turned into a multi-functional facility featuring concerts, events, cinema and a cafe.

We previously reported how an alcohol licence for the B listed building was granted in March. At the time an agent for the owner said that Mr Choudhry had invested "substantial" money into the Govan Road premises

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A previous application in 2021, which included for external alterations, was rejected after city planners ruled that the revamp would “detrimentally impact” the B-listed building. However, MSP Paul Sweeney has said that he is 'positive' about the future of the building following a visit with Glasgow South West MP Dr Zubir Ahmed on November 2.

He told Glasgow Live: "The building is in remarkably good condition considering it has been derelict for 20 years. I'm fairly upbeat about its prospects of being revived as a venue and I think the owner Mr Choudhry is keen to do something constructive with it.

"He he expressed his desire to turn it into a community and cultural asset that will draw people into Govan, especially with the new bridge opening. He was talking about an art performance venue for events like weddings or for concerts almost like the 02 Academy. There's a lot of imagination there.

"It's got, still a lot of its original retro features, a kind of fusion of 1930s Art Deco and 1970s kind of Kubrick esque psychedelic carpets. It's an interesting place, a bit of a time capsule.

"It's got a large social history in Govan, particularly with its use for mass meetings during the upper Clyde ship builders work-in. So it has got an interesting history and it'd be good to see revived. I and Dr Zubir are keen to work constructively with the owner."

Mr Sweeney added that there had been a lot of frustration between the owner and the Glasgow City Council over a lack of formal dialog or positive discussions over how to proceed with a planning application. Adding that the owner was alarmed to hear of a public campaign backed by a city councillor in August, calling for the building to be brought into public hands.

He added: "There has been a lot of frustration into how to move forward. We offered our assistance in helping him get in touch with the right people who can ensure that the historic building is protected while navigating the planning system.

"I think there needs to be a cross party approach to work with Mr Choudhry to get the right architects and team involved to develop this asset. I think the guys already done a lot of work internally in terms of trying to do some basic maintenance and it is water tight.

"He just needs some guidance on how to take it to conclusion."

The cinema, which was designed by Glasgow ABC architect Charles McNair, originally opened in December 1938. It hasn't screen films since 1981 and was last operated as a bingo hall before shutting down back on 2006.

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