A planning application has been submitted to Wirral Council to convert the former Gaumont Cinema on Park Road East, Birkenhead, into 25 “luxury” homes.
The vacant site, near Birkenhead Park, has a long history but has fallen into disrepair. Since opening as a cinema in the 1930s, the building has also served as a bingo hall, roller rink, and furniture shop, before closing to the public.
Plans for the building
The proposals would see the building transformed into one and two bedroom apartments, with the rear auditorium demolished to make way for two four-storey “apartment wings”. The building’s art deco façade would be retained, cleaned, and repaired as part of the project.
The apartments, described in the plans as providing “luxury accommodation” just yards from Birkenhead Park, would be “fully accessible for all individuals” with lift access to all floors.
Preserving history
The building opened in 1938 by film star Nova Pilbeam, whose hand and foot prints are preserved in the pavement at the front. Plans confirm these markings would be retained “and made a feature within the landscaping, celebrating the history of this glorious building.”
A car park with 25 spaces would be created to the rear, with access from Craven Street, along with 25 cycle stores. The plans also include a “calming” communal green space open to all residents.
Next steps
Before any work could begin, two “dusk emergency surveys” would be carried out to ensure no bats are living in the building.
The plans argue the site is in a prime position for housing, being close to Birkenhead Park, the Birkenhead Park Merseyrail station, and within walking distance of Birkenhead town centre.
