Fresh proposals drawn up for Urmston cinema conversion
A revised vision to transform the former Curzon Cinema into a community hub and “local icon” has superseded earlier plans to convert the building into flats.
Church group CRC has acquired the site, located off Bowfell Road in Urmston, and is working with Brass Architecture to draw up proposals to repurpose the space for the benefit of locals.
The plan is to breathe new life into the building, which ceased being a cinema in 2008 and has been vacant for several years.
CRC’s plans feature a comprehensive phased refurbishment that will provide a coffee shop, on the ground floor and office space on the second floor.
The main auditorium on the ground floor, as well as the Grand Lobby on the first floor, will be brought back into use. CRC, which currently operates out of a site on nearby Brook Road, will use the building for services on Sundays.
The upgraded Curzon Cinema could be used for meetings, classes, functions, and events, by SME businesses, community groups, and local residents, according to Ricky Sellars, co-founder of Brass Architecture.
The main auditorium will be refurbished. Credit: Brass Architecture
“Our proposals for the redevelopment of the former Curzon Cinema in Urmston will restore this treasured building to its former glory,” he said.
“It will be a community institution, a local destination, and a local icon. The building will be returned as a modern-day theatre.”
CRC and Brass intend to submit a planning application for the project before the end of the month and have circulated a newsletter to local residents to explain the scope of the proposals.
Last year, developer Raynor Rowen pulled the plug on plans to convert the building into 42 apartments after backlash from residents and Trafford Council.
Sellars said the revised proposals are aimed at benefitting the local community.
“We believe that the redevelopment of such community architectural assets should prioritize the needs of the surrounding population,” he said.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that this building adds value to Urmston for future decades. We believe our scheme does.
“We believe that our proposals are a win-win for all, and we are proud to submit them for approval consideration”.
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- Credit: Brass Architecture
- Credit: Brass Architecture
- Credit: Brass Architecture
