Vogue Cinema Possilpark
 The Mecca Cinema, Balmore Road, Possilpark, in its opening year, 1933, showing The Night Mayor and This Sporting Age | |
| Former names | Mecca (1933–1950) |
|---|---|
| Address | 124 Balmore Road, Possilpark, Glasgow, Scotland G22 6LJ |
| Coordinates | 55°53′13″N 4°15′24″W / 55.8869°N 4.2568°W |
| Owner | George Smith and James Welsh (Paisley MP); George Singleton Cinemas Ltd. |
| Designation | Category C Listed building |
| Type | Indoor movie theater |
| Capacity | 1,620 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 16 August 1933 |
| Closed | April 1968 (as cinema) |
| Architect | James McKissack |
The Vogue Cinema Possil is a category C(S) listed building, it is situated on 124 Balmore Road, Possilpark in the north of Glasgow, Scotland. The former art deco cinema opened in 1933 as the Mecca.
History
Opening as the Mecca on 16 August 1933 and designed by the esteemed architect James McKissack, it was a great example of Glasgow's art deco cinemas when Glasgow was called "Cinema City", featuring a modern-classical style with distinctive red sandstone, faience and harking façade, making it a visually striking and prominent landmark in the area.[1] It originally seated 1,620. The interior was decorated in 'jazz moderne' style, a variation of Art Deco, with features including stained glass lights in the stairwells, robust terrazzo flooring in the hallways and an ornate proscenium arch and curtains, adorned with wave and zigzag motifs.[2]
The Mecca was owned by George Smith and James Welsh (Paisley MP),[3][4] both of whom were Glasgow Corporation councillors, highlighting the venue's significance in the city’s cultural landscape. The cinema was established to serve the burgeoning Possilpark community, particularly the new municipal housing estate.
In its inaugural year, 1933, the Mecca Picture House featured contemporary films such as The Night Mayor starring Lee Tracy and This Sporting Age starring Jack Holt.[5]
In January 1950 it was sold to the Singleton circuit, and renamed Vogue.[6] Scottish footballer Kenny Dalglish was a regular visitor to the Vogue Cinema during his youth. Dalglish, who grew up in Milton, frequently attended the cinema while living in the area.
Although this historic cinema was temporarily saved from demolition in 2024 following public outcry,[1] it remained under threat as the owner appealed the decision to have the building listed. Campaigner Andrew Moore created a campaign and petition in November 2024 in an effort to prevent further demolition.[7][8] In July 2025, the appeal to overturn the listing was formally rejected by Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Government. The cinema remains protected as a category C(S) listed building.[9][10]
See also
- Possil railway station (listed building nearby)
- Glasgow Film Theatre (by same architect)
References
- ^ a b "Historic Glasgow cinema temporarily saved from demolition". BBC News. BBC. 17 January 2024. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
- ^ Widdows, Tom. "Surviving Cinemas - James McKissack". Scottish Cinemas.
- ^ "Vogue Cinema in Glasgow, GB". Cinema Treasures.
- ^ "Mecca, Possil". Scottish Cinemas.
- ^ "Scottish Cinemas and Theatres". Scottish Cinemas.
- ^ Butler, Eamonn. "Biography of 'SINGLETON, George' - Moving Image Archive catalogue". movingimage.nls.uk. National Library of Scotland.
- ^ Matheson, Fergus (11 September 2024). "Owner of historic cinema building appeals against decision to stop demolition". STV News. Retrieved 19 November 2024.
- ^ Carmichael, Morgan (22 November 2024). "'More than just a building': Petition launched to save Vogue Cinema from demolition". Glasgow Times. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
- ^ "Appeal to delist Glasgow's Vogue Cinema dismissed". Scottish Construction Now. 15 July 2025. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
- ^ Webster, Kieran (20 July 2025). "Historic Glasgow cinema saved as demolition stopped following appeal". Glasgow Live. Retrieved 20 July 2025.
