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The show's over for landmark cinema as bulldozers move in

28/ 6/2002

THE UNCERTAIN future of the Ambassador Cinema was finally settled this week after planning bosses agreed plans to demolish the 74-year-old building.

The cinema, one of Langworthy Road's most famous landmarks, will be destroyed in favour of two apartment blocks containing 31 flats to be developed by Kelly Homes.

Supporters of the Ambassador have long-since campaigned to re-open the building as a community venue, but when the outline application went before Salford Council last Wednesday - only one written objection was received by planning officers.

The Ambassador opened in 1928 as one of the area's first 'Super Cinemas' and was best known for its association with Coronation Street's Violet Carson who played the piano there in her youth.

A campaign group known as the Ambassador Project was set up in December 2000 to promote the cinema's cause, and they vowed to fight the building's demolition after it was de-listed by English Heritage last year.

An online petition, currently standing at 126 names was set up by the Project last year and sent to Salford MP Hazel Blears and then Culture MP Tessa Jowell.

Salford-born celebrities Christopher Eccleston and Shelagh Delaney are also a well-known fans of the building.

But now, pending a full application from Kelly Homes expected in the next few months - the Ambassador will be demolished by early next year.