A major fundraising campaign has been launched to save Woolton Picture House, with an urgent £450,000 target set to secure the future of Liverpool’s oldest cinema.
A newly established Community Interest Company (CIC) is now leading the effort to purchase and refurbish the historic Art Deco building, calling on the public to get involved through donations, volunteering, and support.
Campaign organisers said:
“We need your support to get this Art Deco gem back up and running.
“You can help with your skills, your time and, of course, through donating to our fundraising campaign.”
Deadline to Secure the Site
The campaign is operating on an “all or nothing” basis, with a firm deadline of 8 May 2026.
If the group reaches the £450,000 mark by that date, the building will be purchased for the community.
While the initial target is the critical first step to secure the property, further fundraising will follow to complete the necessary refurbishment works.
In total, around £700,000 is needed to fully restore the venue to its former glory.
Campaign leaders added:
“The support that we have received since we started the campaign has given us the confidence that Woolton Village wants their Picture House back.”
Organisers have made it clear that if the £450,000 target is not met by the May deadline, all donations will be refunded.
Supporters can contribute at different levels, and larger donors are invited to contact the fundraising team directly to discuss significant investment.
Nearly a Century of Cinema Heritage in Woolton
First opened on 26 December 1927, Woolton Picture House has long been a cornerstone of village life and is recognised as Liverpool’s oldest surviving cinema.
The building was designed by the architect Alfred Ernest Shennan, a man whose work defined much of the city’s early 20th-century aesthetic.
When it first opened its doors, the venue could seat around 800 people, providing a luxurious escape for locals during the golden age of film.
Its history is deeply intertwined with the resilience of the Liverpool community.
The cinema famously remained open throughout the Second World War, acting as a vital source of morale. During those dark years, it offered not just Hollywood entertainment but also essential newsreels, keeping residents informed of the progress of the war effort.
While many other traditional cinemas were demolished or converted into bingo halls during the 1960s and 70s, Woolton Picture House stubbornly retained its original purpose.
Over the decades, it became famous for its traditional cinema experience, complete with an intermission and a sense of ceremony that modern multiplexes simply cannot replicate.
This commitment to heritage helped it maintain a loyal following of generations who viewed the pictures as more than just a place to watch a movie, but as a community hub.
Now, nearly a century after it first opened, the latest fundraising push represents the most crucial moment in its long history.
The community is determined to bring the much-loved picture house back to life, ensuring that its Art Deco facade remains a fixture of the village for another hundred years.
Those behind the campaign hope that with enough backing, the iconic venue can once again open its doors and reclaim its place at the heart of Woolton Village.
You can donate here.
