The campaign group set-up to save the former New Victoria cinema has become a fully constituted group.
The ‘Friends of Preston New Victoria’ is now available for people to pay money to and become a member to fund the project to re-open the Church Street cinema.
James Crompton, who is leading the campaign, posted a message to all those who are part of the Facebook group, for the 82-year-old cinema, to encourage people to join.
He said: “You will be aware after following the Facebook page that this cinema is a local treasure and is symbolic of Preston’s cultural heritage. We cannot allow this building to be sold for scrap, or to be transformed into something that will eradicate it’s original, currently hidden 1928 features.
“We as a group stand a very good chance of success, but we need to work hard to achieve this. Times are hard and money is tight, but little by little we are able as a group, as a City to preserve this old cinema. Once opened the cinema will be open to everyone of all ages and abilities. There will be something for everyone and much more besides. There are no promises but only one…. to try our very best!”
Membership rates are £5 for adults, £3 for seniors and corporate memberships are available for £5.
The membership form is available only on Facebook as a photo and has to be printed out.
The cinema started life as the New Victoria before being renamed as the Odeon in 1962.
In 1970 the old restaurant was converted to a second screen. It now sits empty as a unused part of nightclub Lava Ignite (formerly known as Tokyo Jo’s).
To get involved in the campaign or if you have any questions you can email newviccinema@yahoo.co.uk