Councillors have welcomed the conversion of an Art Deco style cinema into a community space.

Trafford’s planning committee approved the change of use of the vacant Curzon Cinema in Urmston by the Christian Revival Church (CRC). 

CRC will now create a mixed-use auditorium and events space for community, educational purposes and a place of worship along with offices and a coffee shop.

There will be various external alterations to the building, which has been identified as ‘a non-designated heritage asset’ because of its historic and architectural significance.

In particular, Cllr Simon Thomas said the application was ‘phenomenal’ and highlighted the measures taken by CRC to make the building accessible, including the installation of a lift.

And he said that it was pleasing to see that previous issues related to parking at the rear of the building were being ‘solved’.

“It will be fantastic to get this [building] restored up to a decent level for use by the community,” he said.  

Cllr Nathan Evans described the building as ‘iconic’. He said if the building ends up as the CGI images submitted by CRC show it will be ‘a real triumph for the area’. 

“I drive past it several times a week and the building has been slipping away,” he said. “So I welcome this application.”

Cllr Michael Taylor said he used to go to the Curzon when it was a cinema and then later when he attended ballet classes.

“I can’t wait for the building to be returned to what it used to be like,” he added.

After the cinema closed, the building was the home of Flixton Academy of Performing Arts until they left in 2022.

A report to the committee said: “The proposed refurbishment, alteration and redevelopment of the Curzon would result in a benefit to the significance of the heritage asset and wider character and appearance of the area.

“The proposal is considered to be acceptable in terms of residential amenity, parking and highway safety, impact on trees and ecology and other relevant matters.”

The ground floor layout will comprise a lobby and coffee shop with front entrance doors with conference rooms, a main stage and an auditorium area.

On the two floors above the main lobby area there will be office space and informal seating areas.

Some 20 parking spaces, three motorcycle spaces, and three accessible parking spaces are also included in the development.