Stabilising works to start at National Picture Theatre

Work to stabilise the National Picture Theatre in Hull is set to start later this month to prepare the 106-year-old building for conversion.Hobson and Porter will start on site on Monday 16 March and spend about a month at the Beverley Road building to complete remedial work.The work is required to prepare the site for future conservation and repair works to the remains of the grade II-listed cinema.Longer term plans include repair and conservation works, as well as the restoration of the facade and the property’s heritage features. The former auditorium would be used to create flexible space for events, as an education centre and as a memorial allowing visitors to learn about the life of civilians in World War II.An application to secure National Lottery Heritage Fund backing for the project is currently in the second round stage. The bid is being led by Hull City Council in collaboration with the National Civilian WW2 Memorial Trust, which will manage the theatre once restored.If successful, a grant of £289,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund would be provided alongside a council contribution of £188,000.