I am the chairman of the Cinema Theatre Association (CTA) http://www.cinema-theatre.org.uk/. I have provided below some information about who we are and the work that we do:

Who are we?

The Cinema Theatre Association was started in 1967 by journalist Eric George, who wished to see more attention paid to the magnificent movie palaces of the Twenties and Thirties, which were then starting to disappear from our towns and cities. One of the roles of CTA is to campaign, wherever possible, for the preservation and continued use of cinemas and theatres for their original purpose.

In spite of our name, we are only responsible for cinemas. (The Theatres Trust work to save theatres in the UK)- Theatres are simply beyond our resources. The name refers to a preference by the founders of the society years back for the huge ‘cinema-theatres’ of the 1920’s and 1930’s – three to four thousand seaters – in contrast to all cinemas, large or small, ancient or modern.

Why save old cinemas?

They are part of our national cultural heritage. The cinema was central to the culture of the Twentieth Century, and to an extent it still is. Some of the most eye-catching and interesting buildings of the inter-war period are cinemas. It is vitally important that this heritage survives, like other architecture, for future generations, and that film and the allied arts continue to inhabit these buildings.

Which organisations do we work with?

We work in partnership with the statutory amenity groups: the Ancient Monuments Society, the Theatres Trust, the Victorian Society and the Twentieth Century Society, although sometimes local authorities notify us directly of planning applications to listed cinemas. In addition we subscribe to a news cuttings service enabling us to pick up proposals. We advise the amenity groups because we have the expertise on this specialised building type. We frequently object to poor schemes but so often they are approved by the councils involved. Some authorities are better and more concerned than others.

What are the most frustrating parts of my job?

So often we write endless detailed letters of objection to absolutely no avail, when a local planning authority goes its own sweet way of ignoring any suggestions. For instance, in 2004, at the Whiteladies cinema in Bristol, a vigorous campaign headed by Hattie Appleby proved that a cinema was what people in the vicinity wanted but disgracefully and in the face of public opinion the city council approved a health club scheme – ironically not viable here as there are so many clubs in the area; then there is Erewash council in Derbyshire, approving a murderous subdivision of the Scala at Ilkeston – a rare example of a Grade II* listed cinema outside London, or the recent decision of Sefton Borough Council to demolish the Grade II listed Palace cinema in Southport, Lancashire with its beautiful Edwardian façade for replacement by a bland-looking hotel. And all this with approbation of English Heritage.

What do I enjoy most about my work?

Talking to new people with enthusiasm for a project. We have to put up with so much indifference from officialdom and from those in the architectural/historical profession it is refreshing to find a willing ear. Also of course, a 100% success as happened recently with a cinema building in Mexborough, Yorkshire when one letter to an enlightened conservation officer saved it from summary demolition.

The most interesting case that I am currently working on is the Plaza, Stockport, where a building preservation trust runs the cinema with success as a mixed film and live venue, which will be fully restored to 1930’s splendour in the next few years. It is most gratifying to be involved in a project where positive steps are being made. (I am the director of the trust)

For more information on the Cinema Theatre Association please visit our website – http://www.cinema-theatre.org.uk/