The Tragic Transformation of Birmingham's ABC New Street Cinema
Looking at the trio of closed shops on New Street, where delivery drivers linger and rough sleepers seek shelter, you would never guess this was once one of the most luxurious venues in Birmingham. As redevelopment work progresses on New Street, promising a fresh look for the city's busiest street, this stretch of shops appears desperately tragic, with a backstory that makes it even sadder.
A Grim Stretch of Closed Shops
Eat4Less, located on the corner of Ethel Street, has been bolted shut for years, as has Fat Burgers next door. Both doorways now serve as shelters for fast food delivery drivers waiting for pick-ups from Chicken Quarter. Beside them, the long-shuttered MyLocal shop, empty for a decade, completes this grim stretch, despite fresh artworks placed on the frontages to soften the visual impact.
On Ethel Street, La Galleria Italian restaurant continues to trade from within the old building, its beautiful decor and marble tabletops perhaps the last remnants of luxury in the space. This Grade II-listed building was once a hub of joy, life, and excitement, but now it stands as a forgotten example of Birmingham's cinematic history.
Historic Significance of the ABC New Street Cinema
When Brummies think of long-lost Birmingham cinemas, thoughts often turn to the Electric on Station Street, but millions walk past the old ABC New Street without realizing its heritage. Before closing in 1983, the cinema was a place where ideas formed, inspiration was provided, and memories were made as locals visited to watch films. Dating back to the 1890s, it was one of the first venues in the city to show films, originally a Masonic hall transformed into a gathering spot for joyseekers.
Today, revellers party in front of it during the German Market season or stroll past en route to Victoria Square or the Bullring, unaware of its rich past. It is not the only old cinema sitting closed in the city centre; the Electric Cinema, which was Britain's oldest working cinema when it shut in 2024, remains unused on a historic 100-meter stretch opposite New Street Station.
Other Historic Venues Facing Similar Fates
While Britain's oldest repertory theatre, The Old Rep, continues to thrive further along the same route, The Crown pub on its corner remains empty. This is another tragedy, left unused despite its rich history, listed status, and reputation as the birthplace of Black Sabbath and a development ground for diverse Birmingham artists.
In contrast, the old Futurist cinema on John Bright Street was Grade II listed last year, a survivor of a Luftwaffe attack that later served as a strip club and shisha bar. Its future remains uncertain, but it highlights the varied fates of Birmingham's historic buildings.
Examples of Positive Heritage Restoration
Back on New Street, it is not unusual to see newcomers paying due reverence to the history of the spaces they now occupy. For instance, Gail's bakery, which took over the Ecco shoe shop in January 2025, is set within the busy old Kardomah cafe that closed in 1968 after decades on New Street. Gail's restored some of its old heritage features, bringing back the original fireplace and staircase, and made sure to mention the ghost sign outside to visitors on its opening day.
Hope for the Future of the ABC New Street Cinema
Fortunately, change may soon come for the old ABC New Street. The last reports indicated that remnants of the old picturehouse remain inside, dusty and hidden, as seen in incredible 'hidden space' photos from 2015. Since then, plans have been put in place to transform the building and return it to use, with more details to follow as they are gathered.
If you have any memories, stories, or background on the old cinema, we would love to hear from you. Share your thoughts on what you hope happens to it in the future in the comments section below.
