{"id":51806,"date":"2024-02-26T15:40:10","date_gmt":"2024-02-26T15:40:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sheffieldwire.co.uk\/?p=51806"},"modified":"2024-02-26T15:41:04","modified_gmt":"2024-02-26T15:41:04","slug":"historic-venue-announces-immediate-closure-after-a-century","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sheffieldwire.co.uk\/index.php\/2024\/02\/26\/historic-venue-announces-immediate-closure-after-a-century\/","title":{"rendered":"Historic venue announces immediate closure after a century"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Abbeydale Picture House, an iconic Sheffield landmark, announced immediate closure last week.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite being only seven years into a seven-year-lease, CADS (Creative Arts Development Space) decided to let go of the building due to repair costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CADS had been attempting to raise money to save the building since the venue\u2019s roof was deemed unsafe two years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Councillor Minesh Parekh, Labour lead for Economic Development, Culture and Skill, said: \u201cIt\u2019s really sad that Abbeydale Picture House is set to close. This is a Sheffield landmark and an important part of our city\u2019s cultural heritage.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The venue first opened on 20 December 1920 and could seat 1,560 people. It included a ballroom and a billiard room, while it was often referred to as the \u201cPicture Palace\u201d due to its luxury. In 1989, the building was given a Grade II listing by English Heritage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In January 2021, CADS hosted a number of events to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Abbeydale Picture House including the Yorkshire Silent Film Festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two years ago, the ceiling was found at risk of collapse, and the picture house was placed on the annual Theatres at Risk Register in January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cllr Parekh said: \u201cWe know that far too many cultural organisations are struggling, from both the fourteenth year of this austerity regime and the impact of rising energy bills. We all deserve a government properly committed to the arts and cultural sector, not the short-termism we\u2019re currently facing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last week, Sheffield City Council announced ambitions to develop Sheffield\u2019s cultural sector, three days before the closure of Abbeydale Picture House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Skills and Development Committee, said: \u201cWe want the cultural sector in Sheffield to be thriving, inclusive and diverse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Locals expressed their disappointment in the news of Abbeydale Picture House on X earlier last week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I'm gutted.

It's one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever set foot in and some of my fondest memories of recent years are of screenings of classic films with my best mates – freezing – here.https:\/\/t.co\/zlZWVNo3C4<\/a><\/p>— John Featherstone (@johnfeath) February 22, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote>