In a dramatic, last-minute twist worthy of the silver screen, Woolton Picture House has officially been saved.<\/p>\n
After months of tireless fundraising and a race against time, the campaign has officially surpassed its \u00a3450,000 target and raised a total of \u00a3532,884 from public donations since October.<\/p>\n
As they were celebrating their success, an extraordinary, anonymous donation arrived just as the clock was about to run out.<\/p>\n
What began as a determined local effort to save Liverpool\u2019s oldest surviving cinema has now become a landmark moment of community achievement.<\/p>\n
Since October, funds have been raised through a packed programme of seasonal screenings including Christmas classics, Valentine\u2019s specials, family film showings and creative brand collaborations with partners such as Dereks, alongside hundreds of individual donations from the public.<\/p>\n
\nIn a dramatic eleventh-hour development, the campaign has now received a transformative anonymous donation.<\/p>\n
The mystery benefactor has stepped in to purchase Woolton Picture House outright and has given the building to Woolton Cinema CIC on a 100-year lease at a \u201cpeppercorn rent\u201d arrangement that will run until the cinema\u2019s 200th anniversary.<\/p>\n
The unprecedented intervention ensures the long-term future of the venue as a community asset, while allowing all funds raised by the public to be released in full for the building\u2019s refurbishment.<\/p>\n
Rather than concluding the campaign in uncertainty, the final chapter has delivered a result few dared to imagine \u2013 a moment that has shifted the story from \u201cwill they, won\u2019t they\u201d to an emphatic and emotional success.<\/p>\n
Kevin Fearon, one of the driving forces behind the campaign, said:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe always believed in this project, but to see it come together in this way \u2013 right at the very last moment \u2013 is something truly special.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe support we\u2019ve had has been overwhelming.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople haven\u2019t just donated money; they\u2019ve given their time, their skills, and their passion.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis building means so much to so many, and today proves just how powerful a community can be when it comes together behind something it loves.\u201d<\/p>\n
With the purchase now secured, attention turns to the next chapter: bringing Woolton Picture House back to life.<\/p>\n
Plans are already underway to begin refurbishment, with the funds raised by the community set to play a vital role in restoring the cinema and expanding its offer into a multi-purpose space for film, live events and community activity.<\/p>\n
The campaign team has extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a part in saving the cinema \u2013 from donors and volunteers to local partners and supporters who championed the cause at every stage.<\/p>\n
What once felt uncertain is now a story of triumph \u2013 a cinematic ending for one chapter, and the beginning of an exciting new era for Liverpool\u2019s oldest surviving cinema.<\/p>\n
Find out more on the Woolton Picture House\u00a0website<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Find out what\u2019s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.\u00a0
\nFrom the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North \u2013 visit\u00a0thenorthernguide.com<\/a>\u00a0and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram\u00a0HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n