Petition to Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Government, and Historic Environment Scotland to demand the Vogue become a permanently listed building!

We, the undersigned, call on Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Government, and Historic Environment Scotland to intervene and prevent the demolition of the Old Vogue Cinema, 124 Balmore Road in Possilpark. Although this historic cinema was temporarily saved from demolition in 2024 following public outcry, it remains under threat as the owner has appealed the decision. The Old Vogue is more than just a building—it is a beautiful piece of Glasgow’s cultural and architectural heritage that deserves to be preserved for future generations.

Why the Old Vogue Cinema Matters:

1. Historical and Architectural Beauty: The Old Vogue Cinema is an architectural gem. Designed by the renowned architect James McKissack, the cinema is an outstanding example of early 20th-century cinema design, showcasing both the grandeur and elegance of the era. The building’s stunning Art Deco-inspired features, including its striking façade and intricate detailing, make it one of the most beautiful and unique buildings in the area. Its beauty is not just in its design but also in the memories it has created for generations of Glaswegians who have visited it over the years.

2. Cultural Significance and Community Connection: The Old Vogue Cinema has long been a cornerstone of the Possilpark community. It is a place where generations of local residents, young and old, have gathered to enjoy films and socialise. Among its many admirers is Kenny Dalglish, the legendary footballer!  Dalglish, a true icon of Glasgow, used to visit the cinema regularly, underscoring the importance of the venue not just as a place of entertainment, but as a cultural touchstone for the people of Glasgow.

3. A Link to the Past and Future: The Old Vogue Cinema is a living memory of Glasgow’s past, but it could also be a vibrant part of its future. Instead of being torn down, it could be repurposed as a cultural space, youth club or community hub, hosting local events, performances, and film screenings. Preserving the cinema would provide future generations with a link to their heritage while breathing new life into the building.

4. Environmental and Heritage Impact: Demolishing the Old Vogue Cinema would contribute to the ongoing loss of Glasgow’s rich architectural history. Historic buildings like the Old Vogue are irreplaceable—once gone, they cannot be rebuilt. Restoring and adapting the cinema for modern use would not only preserve Glasgow’s history but also be a more sustainable approach than demolition, reducing waste and maintaining the city’s heritage.

Recent Developments:

In 2024, Glasgow City Council issued a temporary stop order on the demolition of the Old Vogue Cinema, acknowledging its historical and architectural value. However, the owner has appealed the decision, meaning the building remains at risk. While Historic Environment Scotland has also raised concerns about the cinema’s importance, we need to continue fighting to ensure it is preserved permanently.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-68011946

What We Want:

We call on the relevant authorities to:

• Reject the appeal and prevent the demolition of the Old Vogue Cinema.

• Conduct a full evaluation of the building’s historical, architectural, and cultural significance, particularly its importance as a work by James McKissack and its value as a community icon.

• Support efforts to restore and repurpose the cinema as a community and cultural venue, providing a space for local activities, performances, and screenings.

• Engage with heritage experts, local communities, and preservationists to find a long-term solution that respects the cinema’s historical value.

Why Your Support is Crucial:

The Old Vogue Cinema is a beautiful and historically important building that holds deep personal and cultural significance to many Glaswegians, including local icons like Kenny Dalglish. Its preservation is vital for maintaining the identity of Possilpark and the broader Glasgow community. The temporary reprieve is a positive step, but the cinema’s future is still in jeopardy. We must act now to ensure that the Old Vogue Cinema is preserved for future generations.

Please sign this petition and share it with your friends, family, and colleagues to help protect this iconic Glasgow landmark.

Instructions for Signers:

1. Sign the petition to show your support for preserving the Old Vogue Cinema.

2. Share this petition on social media, in community groups, and with your contacts to raise awareness.

3. Contact your local councillor and MSPs to express your opposition to the demolition and advocate for the preservation of this historic site.

For me, the Old Vogue is more than just a building—it’s a place filled with memories. As a child, I spent countless days visiting my grandparents in Possilpark, and the cinema was always there, standing as a landmark in my childhood. Its beauty and its history have stayed with me long after my grandparents passed away. Losing the Old Vogue would be like losing a part of my own family history and a connection to my roots.

So far my campaign has got the cause into several newspapers, TV and radio stations:

BBC News

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd7r4080j7do

Glasgow Times

https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/scottish-news/24741891.petition-launched-save-vogue-cinema-demolition/

Glasgow Live

https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/glasgow-man-launches-petition-safeguard-30714364

https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/news/glasgow-news/historic-glasgow-cinema-saved-demolition-32092061

Cylde 1

https://hellorayo.co.uk/clyde/local/news/old-vogue-cinema-petition

https://hellorayo.co.uk/clyde/local/news/public-hearing-vogue-cinema

Scottish Construction Now

https://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/articles/appeal-to-delist-glasgows-vogue-cinema-dismissed

Glasgow World

https://www.glasgowworld.com/news/historic-possilpark-cinema-delist-appeal-dismissed-5226793