Old ABC cinema to become boutique hotel

Sep 5 2007

ABC cinema in Lime Street

THE disused ABC cinema on Lime Street is to become a New York-style supper club and boutique hotel, it has been revealed.

Regeneration agency English Partnerships has appointed award-winning property developer Urban Splash as preferred developer for the project.

The art deco building is protected by its Grade II listed status, and the developer has promised a “sensitive refurbishment”.

The cinema dates from 1931 but has lain vacant for nine years.

It was then acquired by English Partnerships with a view to bringing it back into economic use and assisting the wider regeneration of Lime Street.

Three viewing days held for property developers in January subsequently attracted more than 20 organisations.

Proposals from Urban Splash include conversion of the main upper auditorium into a luxury New York-style ‘supper club’, which will be accessed via the main ground floor foyer and lobby; conversion of two smaller cinema screens on the ground floor into new retail leisure units with independent access from Lime Street; and a boutique hotel on the top floor.

Plans are to be submitted for approval in July 2008 with work expected to start on site in late 2008 and be completed by mid 2010.