Attempt to strip historic Glasgow Vogue cinema's listed status fails

The Art Deco cinema - also known as The Mecca – faced being torn down in 2023, but Glasgow City Council issued a building preservation notice in January 2024. 

It was then granted listed status by Historic Environment Scotland following an inspection, only for this to be appealed by owners Allied Vehicles.  

The Scottish Government’s reporter has now thrown out that appeal, after considering the “cultural significance” of the cinema and its unique, historic architecture.  

The reporter’s investigation has now been made public. Dismissing the appeal, they said:  “In the circumstances of this case, I find that what remains of the building is of special architectural and historic interest.  

“There are no factors which would justify the building not being listed. Consequently, the building should remain listed.” 

The Art Deco Vogue opened in 1933 (Image: NQ) The Vogue was built in 1933 to a design by the renowned architect James McKissak, and has been used as a cinema and bingo hall. 

Much of the building has become derelict, but the front structure remains, as do some of the architectural features.  

Now the appeal has been dismissed, the building will be subject to strict controls and will be protected from demolition unless it become too dangerous to leave standing.  

The owners will also have a duty to preserve what remains.  

The report said: “I have considered the building’s design, architecture, age and rarity; its setting and historical location, function and importance; and its social and cultural significance together with the changes over time which have altered the building and its surrounds.  

“I agree with HES that cinemas as a building type were once common across Scotland but those surviving from the 1930s period are now exceptional.  

“Overall, I find that what remains of the building retains significant special architectural and historic interest which merits its listing.”  

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Members of the International Coalition of Art Deco Societies (ICADS) had been involved in a campaign to keep the Possilpark building, and had written to the Scottish Government in support of its listed status.  

Architect Professor Alan Dunlop, who has been vocal in his support of retaining the cinema, said he was “delighted” the appeal had been rejected.  

The architect believes it is now time for a “reasonable compromise” to resolve the situation, and called for the owner to submit a new planning application which preserves what remains of the building. 

Professor Alan Dunlop outside the Vogue Cinema (Image: NQ) Prof Dunlop, a Fellow Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, said: “As someone born in Springburn and who lived just off Hawthorn Street, close to the junction of Balmore Road, the Vogue Cinema was distinctive and it marked an important road junction.  

“The Springburn that I knew, particularly Springburn Road which was once a thriving shopping and community street, has been destroyed, The Princess Cinema on Gourley Street and many other buildings of architectural merit have been demolished.  

“Possilpark now seems to be suffering the same fate. The Vogue Cinema is not a classic but it is the only building of any character and architectural worth left in this area of Possilpark and certainly worthy of retaining.” 

He added: “As an architect with 40 years experience of building major projects, including working with listed buildings and on conservation projects, bringing them back to life, I know this building can be and should be saved.  

“Granting the appeal would have created an unwelcome precedent and perverse incentive for any owner to unilaterally seek to demolish a building that is subject to a designation assessment before Historic Environment Scotland has had the opportunity to conclude its assessment. 

 “Rewarding this would be disastrous for Scotland's built heritage.” 

The owner of the former cinema has been contacted for comment.