Fire Service Addresses Safety Concerns at Birmingham's Iconic Electric Cinema
West Midlands Fire Service has responded to calls for reassurance after significant worries were raised regarding Birmingham's iconic 116-year-old Electric Cinema. The historic venue, which has been closed and unused since 2024, has recently been photographed in a state of disrepair, sparking fresh anxieties about its future preservation and safety.
Urgent Calls for Action from Local Leaders
The leader of the Birmingham Conservatives, Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden, was among those demanding 'urgent action' after photographs circulated showing bottles of alcohol on shelves alongside piles of cardboard and detritus inside the premises. Cllr Alden wrote to both the West Midlands Fire Service and Birmingham City Council, requesting that both teams 'take immediate and urgent enforcement action in respect of serious fire safety and building security failings' at the historic site.
An 'urban explorer' who claimed to have taken recent photos and videos inside the cinema told local media they had witnessed the 'ceilings crumbling' within the venue, adding to the concerns about structural integrity and potential hazards.
Official Response from West Midlands Fire Service
Now, West Midlands Fire Service has provided an update in response to media inquiries. A spokesperson stated: 'We are aware of social media posts about The Electric Cinema in Birmingham which, we know, holds a special place in many people's hearts. Related fire safety concerns have also been raised with us this week.'
The spokesperson clarified the current situation, explaining: 'The premises are currently unoccupied, so do not fall under our direct jurisdiction. We have, however, liaised with the city council, as a result of which we understand the premises have now been secured.'
Ongoing Uncertainty and Previous Preservation Efforts
Birmingham City Council has yet to share an update regarding the Electric Cinema, and leaseholder Glenbrook Property has not issued any statements despite multiple outreach attempts. The cinema, which was the UK's oldest working cinema until its closure, has been boarded up by Glenbrook Property with few updates about its future.
Last year, a campaign to secure listed status for the Electric Cinema failed, with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) stating that after considering all evidence, it was decided the venue did not meet the criteria for listing. This decision followed a report by Historic England which examined the architectural and historic interest of the site.
Campaigners continue to call for the preservation of the cinema, which has been entertaining Birmingham citizens since 1909. At the time of writing, the future of this historic landmark remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions about safety and potential restoration efforts.
