Garston Empire

Significance

With only three working years as a theatre, this gem has survived with its original features and much decoration intact thanks to over forty years of cinema use, and thirty years of bingo use.

Designed in 1915, the Garston Empire belongs to a class of transitional theatres that were built across a very short period, coming after the Edwardian theatre boom and before the cinema building boom that followed the Cinema Act 1909. These buildings possess unique qualities as their architects were conscious of the possibilities of continued variety theatre and silent films. This type of entertainment building is therefore a reflection of major changes that affected the social habits of society and comes at a watershed moment in the history of entertainment.

This theatre was designed to serve a predominantly local working-class community. Such provincial variety theatres provided a vehicle for the spread of popular culture and are often referred to as fleapits, characterised by small foyers and relatively plain auditoria. They are increasingly rare with estimates that fewer than twenty survive nationally. It is an architecturally important ciné-variety house, deserving of more research, national recognition and heritage designation.

Why is this theatre at risk?

Garston Empire has been on the Theatres at Risk Register since 2009 when bingo closed and the building fell vacant.

In 2010, Theatres Trust received notification of the possible demolition of the building. Liverpool City Council confirmed that, according to planning policy at the time, the demolition would not require planning permission because the building is neither in a conservation area nor listed. However, Theatres Trust would be consulted should the site be redeveloped.

While the bingo owner had been sympathetic to the idea of retaining the building and re-opening it as a theatre for the local community, in 2020, they sold the building to a developer, Dam Group UK Property Ltd. It was subsequently sold again to Garston Project Ltd who continue to be the owners. Changes to permitted development rights introduced in 2020 means that planning permission would now be needed for the demolition of the building, but we continue to be concerned that the building will be lost to commercial redevelopment.

Unfortunately, prolonged vacancy has left the building extremely vulnerable and in a state of deterioration. Vegetation is becoming increasingly established on the exterior, roof tiles have slipped and windows have been smashed. There have also been repeated attempts to access the building and growing concerns about the significant health and safety risk to those that do enter. There is also concern as to the damage that may be caused to the building itself.

Theatre potential

The previous bingo use of the Empire has been sympathetic to the architectural layout of the building, and it could easily be returned to theatre use.

There has been much local interest in the building over the years suggesting the reopening of the Empire as a community facility has potential. Local community groups, such as Friends of Garston Empire and South Liverpool Voluntary Inclusion Programme, have shown interest in reopening the building as a theatre, with many members still sharing fond memories of the building. Theatres Trust has been providing various interested groups with early-stage project advice, but unfortunately, none have been in the position to progress a capital works project.

Current situation

There are deep concerns about the condition of the building which continues to deteriorate. An application by a local group to get the building listed based on the historical and architectural significance of ciné-variety theatres, which was supported by Theatres Trust, was unsuccessful. This was disappointing as listing would have recognised the significance of the building and provided it with greater protection within the planning system.

The owner’s intentions are uncertain. The theatre was for sale again for a period in 2022 / 2023 but did not sell and continues to be vacant.

As mentioned above the theatre has become particularly vulnerable to break-ins. There has, fortunately, been some progress in securing the site. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have been involved because of the risks posed by the building, and additional boarding has been installed, making it somewhat more secure. However, determined individuals continue to find ways to gain access at extreme risk to their own safety.

Theatres Trust would be keen to engage with the owner about the potential opportunity and community benefits of restoring and reopening the Empire and to help it connect with the many community groups who have shown interest in the theatre. We believe that there is a historically sympathetic and sustainable future for the Empire and will continue to advocate for this.

 

Main photo Garston Empire, Daniel O'Neill; interior by Ken Roe.