An iconic former cinema building in Mapperley has been given Grade II-listed status by Historic England.
The Majestic Cinema building on Woodborough Road had been under threat of demolition back in April 2019, with plans for 26 new flats.
The building is currently home to popular tourist attraction The Haunted Museum.
The historic site was eventually saved after a high profile campaign by the current tenants and local historian Bob Massey, with their efforts even getting a mention in national magazine Private Eye.
And now the heritage body has recognised the building’s importance by awarding it with a listed status, which should ensure its future survival.
The cinema was originally built in 1929 and was designed by prolific Nottingham cinema architect Alfred Thraves, who was considered as one of the country’s best.
The Haunted Museum team celebrated the news of the listing on their Facebook page.
Owner Steve Wesson told Gedling Eye: “The most important thing is that another historical building will be safe for many years to come.
“We can now continue to show off our building’s beautiful interior to visitors as well as the many wonderful and strange items we have in the museum from around the globe.
“We’ve had so much positive feedback from the local people regarding the grade 2 listing and it is surely bringing the community together.
“Since the pandemic the museum has gone from strength to strength and this is down to having the time to add new exciting displays and items from around the world and making sure the museum is covid safe for all our visitors.”
Local historian Bob Massey was also delighted by the news.
He told Gedling Eye: “The Haunted Museum has been given Grade II listed status, which means it now cannot be demolished.
“This means that it will be an attraction in Mapperley for some time to come, which is good news for the area.”
“Heritage is very important to the understanding of future generations and this building, far more than many other is very important and I’m glad it’s being preserved.”
This is very good news.
Hi, Hate to burst your bubble but Listed Building status does not mean your cinema cannot be demolished – yes it makes it harder to demolish it, but it does not prevent it. You need to remain vigilant as developers frequently argue a Listed Building is beyond economic repair, often leaving it empty so that the elements and criminals take their toll; and the number of ‘inconveniently’ Listed buildings that miraculously catch fire when they are in the way of profit is sickening.
Good luck, but stay vigilant and put pressure on your local councillors – despite what they tell you, they do have the legal powers they need to force owners of Listed Buildings to repair and protect them and they have a duty to do it, but fail in their civic duty disappointingly often.