A historic cinema was saved from demolition. What now?

A once-grand cinema in the north of Glasgow was saved from demolition last year after a community battle, but its future remains uncertain.

When demolition plans for The Vogue were halted last summer, it was because what was left of the building was judged to have a "special architectural and historic interest".

This is something that is in short supply in Possilpark, says DJ and campaigner Andrew Moore.

Last July its category C listing was confirmed on appeal, meaning no changes can be made to the building without government approval.

But despite securing legal protection for the building, it lies derelict, without its roof and with no plans for restoration in sight.

When the grand art deco cinema was originally built as The Mecca in 1933, the area was a working class powerhouse with a strong sense of community and streets bustling with activity.

Later renamed as The Vogue, the cinema served the area for decades before it became a bingo hall and later a kilt hire shop.

Designed by renowned architect James McKissack - who was also the man behind the Glasgow Film Theatre - The Vogue has seen a decline in recent years, reflecting changes in the surrounding area.

Two years ago its owners, Allied Vehicles, acquired a demolition warrant and got as far as removing the roof before the council issued a building preservation notice.

Historic Environmental Scotland (HES) then gave the building a category C listing.

An appeal against the listing resulted in a local campaign to save the building, led by Moore, who grew up in the area but is now a DJ in Berlin.

He was back in Glasgow for his birthday when he was made aware of the ongoing dispute over the future of The Vogue.

"People were upset about it but then no-one did anything at the time," he said.

"So I started the petition."

Moore described organising the campaign as like a full-time job.

He contacted people in the community, took to social media and sent out information to as many people as possible.

"It was just non-stop," he said.

To Moore, the building is a landmark that tells the story of the city's past and deserves a place in its future.

"People used to go there all the time," he said.

"It's profoundly human, it has so many memories tied to it. It could be a place for kids, a community hub, something that gives back.

"Even if it doesn't change, it's important that it remains. It would still be a testament to what we achieved."

Moore told BBC Scotland News how, like other children in the area, he grew up regularly visiting The Vogue.

As a boy he was taken there by his mother, who would often share stories about how her own grandparents had brought her there.

"Losing the old Vogue would be like losing a part of my own family history and a connection to my roots," he said.

"It is more than just a building, it is a beautiful piece of Glasgow's cultural and architectural heritage that deserves to be preserved for future generations."

Historic Environment Scotland's listed The Vogue as Category C for its rarity as a 1930s cinema, its significance to James McKissack's work, and its social historical value.

Although the fight for The Vogue is largely over, with no restoration plans in place, Allied Vehicles cannot alter the building without permission, leaving its future in limbo.

As discussion around the future of The Vogue has gone silent, opinions among residents remain divided.

Ann, who grew up in Possilpark, told BBC Scotland News: "My whole family went to it. It would be a shame to see it just go to waste.

"I'd like something for kids and pensioners, it could be anything assuming you have the money."

She said fresh investment in the building could "bring the area back up".

But not everyone shares the same sentiment.

Liz, another resident, said "It's an eyesore. What are they going to do with it?"

"You would much rather Allied used it and put it to some use."

Despite differing opinions, many in Possilpark hope to see some kind of future for the old Vogue.

John, who lives nearby, had one solution.

He said: "Keep the façade. That's iconic. But turn it into something else.

"It's been the heart of the community for years, so someone will come up with an idea on what to do with it."

John Glenday, editor for Scottish architecture magazine Urban Realm, said the building could have potential as a mixed-use commercial site.

He was hopeful that the façade could be saved with urgent stabilisation work.

"Time is really critical," he added. "The worst-case scenario is nothing happens and we just see the site slowly decay and become less salvageable."

Glenday warned the building would costs thousands to repair but also thousands to demolish.

He said: "You have to look at long-term heritage value versus just an anonymous new build."

The editor said the best course of action would be to prepare and protect the site before any full development begins.

"We don't want a big hole in the ground, that's probably the worst outcome, it can lower the tone of the area," he added.

BBC Scotland News contacted Allied Vehicles for comment.