Woolton Picture House set to be reopened following huge refurbishment

Woolton’s beloved cinema is set for a new chapter, as long-time residents Kevin Fearon and Gillian Miller have struck a deal to purchase and restore the historic venue on Mason Street.

Best known for transforming Liverpool’s Royal Court into the city’s largest full-time producing theatre, Fearon and Miller bring a proven track record in revitalising local cultural spaces. Over the years, they secured and invested £7.7 million into refurbishing the Royal Court—and now, their focus has turned to Woolton Picture House.

The cinema, which has been closed for some time, has been secured for £450,000, with contracts exchanged and the sale expected to complete by May 2026. The duo has established a Community Interest Company (CIC) to oversee the project and raise an additional £250,000 for refurbishment.

The current owner was keen for the cinema to land in the right hands—not just someone chasing profit, but stewards who believe the building should belong to the community. This ethos helped seal the deal, with a shared vision of making Woolton Cinema a community-owned and managed space.

A public fundraising campaign is set to launch in July, with every donation protected in a dedicated account. Funds will only be used once the full target is met—otherwise, all donations will be returned.

Locals will also be invited to help shape the future of the cinema through a community consultation and volunteer opportunities.
Fearon and Miller hope to preserve the past while building something new: a vibrant, welcoming space where stories on screen bring people together once again.

Gillian Miller said:

“Last year Kevin and I were walking back home from a lovely evening in the Pickled Olive. We walked up Mason Street, past the Picturehouse and thought what a shame it was that it wasn’t open. A few days later, after some research at Companies House and the Land Registry we made contact with the owner. Now we have the keys to the building and our ambitions are public, we can begin the raising of funds.

We want as many people as possible to become involved in this project. Woolton Picture House is only going to reopen and then stay open if it has the real support of the community. As soon as we can we want to invite interested parties to come into the cinema and hopefully be won over by its magic, its potential and our plans. The pace at which things can happen depends on two key things: how much do people want to be involved in helping and how quickly can we raise the funds?”

A statement from the current owner read:

“Woolton Picture House has always been more than just a building – it’s been a gathering place, a memory-maker, and a part of our community’s heart. As we pass it on to Kevin and Gillian who share the same passion and commitment to preserving its legacy, we do so with great optimism for what’s ahead. We are confident in their vision to carry the legacy forward and are excited for the cinema’s next chapter.

We also want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported the GoFundMe campaign – your contributions were instrumental in helping the cinema navigate the early stages of a very challenging period. Your generous GoFundMe donation will go on to form the initial contribution of £25,000 to the cinemas new fundraising campaign, as it moves forward under its new stewardship.

Thank you all once again for being part of this journey and for your ongoing support. We’re excited for this new chapter in the life of the Woolton Picturehouse, knowing it’s in safe hands for the generations to come”.

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