Local MP Robbie Moore has presented his petition to Parliament calling for Keighley Picture House to be protected for future generations.
The petition, signed by 5,421 residents, was triggered by Bradford Council’s decision to list the historic cinema building, open since 1913, for sale as a “redevelopment opportunity”.
Following significant local pressure from across the community, Bradford Council announced the sale had been “paused” last month and entered into talks with Keighley Town Council, who have expressed an interest in purchasing the building.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Robbie Moore MP said:
"Residents of Keighley deeply value their cultural heritage. This petition, which I launched to make clear to Bradford council people’s deep feeling that selling the building was not an option, has received 5,421 signatures. Losing the Picture House would be another blow to our high street, one that Keighley simply cannot afford."
Keighley Town Council has now launched a public consultation on its proposal to acquire the Picture House to secure its future as a cinema and cultural venue.
The consultation is open until 23 September and can be accessed here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/PictureHouse/
The results of the consultation will be reported at Keighley Town Council’s Full Council meeting on 25 September at 6:30pm at Keighley Town Hall.
Robbie Moore MP said:
“Keighley Picture House is part of our cultural heritage and has been at the heart of our community for over a century. Residents have been clear that this this cinema must stay, which is exactly why I launched this petition and have now formally presented it to Parliament, putting our local voice on the national record. I urge Bradford Council to work constructively with Keighley Town Council and get this over the line."
