Hebden Royd Town Council has received initial support* from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to future-proof Hebden Bridge Picture House, it was announced today.
Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the project aims to protect and celebrate the heritage of Hebden Bridge Picture House (HBPH), while developing plans to make the much-loved not-for-profit cinema more accessible, sustainable and fit for future generations.
Development funding of £305,325 has been awarded by the Heritage Fund to help Hebden Royd Town Council and Hebden Bridge Picture House progress plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant of £2,223,909 at a later date.
HBPH first opened in 1921 and is one of the town’s most treasured cultural landmarks. Proudly owned and operated by Hebden Royd Town Council since 2012, HBPH is one of very few cinemas in Britain that remain in public ownership and in continuous use for their original purpose. For more than a century, it has welcomed generations of audiences through its doors, providing film, live events, community screenings and a shared space for people to come together.
However, like many historic buildings, the cinema faces significant challenges. The project will support the development of plans to conserve the building’s heritage, improve access, reduce its environmental impact and explore how the cinema can better serve audiences, community groups and future generations.
The development phase will allow the Picture House to work with specialist consultants, architects, staff, audiences and local communities to explore options for the building. This includes looking at improved step-free access, accessible facilities, energy efficiency measures, heritage interpretation, and the potential for more flexible community and cinema spaces.
The project will also create new opportunities for people to get involved with the Picture House’s heritage, including through consultation, events, activities and work with local groups and schools.
“This is wonderful news for Hebden Bridge Picture House and a real vote of confidence in the future of the cinema. It is heartening to see The National Lottery Heritage Fund recognise the importance of cinemas like ours, not only as historic buildings, but as working cinemas that continue to serve their communities.
Cllr Keith Butterick, Chair of the Picture House Committee
“We’re incredibly grateful to National Lottery players for making this support possible, and I would also like to thank the Picture House team and Hebden Royd Town Council staff for all their hard work in putting together such a strong bid.
“This gives us the chance to work with our audiences and community to shape thoughtful, ambitious plans that celebrate the Picture House’s past, improve access, and strengthen its long-term future as a sustainable, much-loved cinema for generations to come.”
Further updates about the Heritage Fit for the Future project, including opportunities for audiences and local communities to get involved, will be shared through Hebden Bridge Picture House’s website and social media channels.
About Hebden Bridge Picture House
Hebden Bridge Picture House is a not-for-profit, single-screen cinema proudly owned and operated by Hebden Royd Town Council. Opened in 1921, the Grade II listed building continues to offer a wide-ranging programme of film, live arts, special events and community screenings.
hebdenbridgepicturehouse.co.uk
About Hebden Royd Town Council
Hebden Royd Town Council (HRTC), representing Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, and Mytholmroyd, is dedicated to improving the economic, social, and environmental well-being of all its residents and workers. The Council collaborates with community groups and public, private, and voluntary sectors to enhance the quality of life in its diverse local communities. It pledges to maintain transparency, accessibility, accountability, and responsiveness in decision-making while promoting equitable opportunities and encouraging partnerships to maximise impact and benefit the entire community.
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
*Grant applications over £250,000 are assessed in two rounds. Hebden Bridge Picture House has initially been granted round one development funding of £305,325 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, allowing it to progress with its plans. Detailed proposals are then considered by the Heritage Fund at second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding award of £2,223,909.
Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. That’s why as the largest funder for the UK’s heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.
By 2033 we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities.
heritagefund.org.uk
@HeritageFundUK on Facebook and Instagram
