Redfield cinema: Building equipment arrives at under-threat site

Campaigners fighting to save the under-threat Redfield Cinema have expressed concern after building equipment was delivered to the site.

The former cinema and Wetherspoon pub on Church Road is subject to a planning application from a developer who wants to turn the site into 44 bedsits and a commercial gym.

The Save Redfield Cinema campaign has gained support in the local area to stop the development and turn the site into a multi-purpose community building with less housing than developers Landrose propose.

More than 500 people have already objected to the plans via the Bristol City Council planning portal but despite the planning application still being live and locals continuing to object to the plans, a vehicle was photographed unloading building materials at the rear of the old cinema.

There has been fierce opposition from local residents and the developer withdrew its original plan last year after it received nearly 1,000 objections.

Campaigners say revised designs are not much better than the original plans, and many want to see the building turned into a community space and cinema with less housing.

The cinema first opened as a silent movie theatre in 1912 and was later a Granada cinema.

A spokesperson for Save Redfield Cinema said: “The future of the Redfield Cinema building at 203 Church Road hangs in the balance, and there is still time for people to have their say on the developer’s planning application.

“So we were alarmed to see signs of building equipment being unloaded into the building and got in touch with the council.

“They reassured us that they will remind the developer, Landrose, that they are not permitted to carry out any significant works on the site.”