Where did we get to?

The Essoldo (Longford) Cinema Stretford is an iconic Art-Deco building (opened 1936), Grade II listed and currently vacant / on the council’s “at risk” radar. Here is a quick time line of events.

1936 — Opened as the Longford Cinema (architect Henry Elder)

1995–1997 — Building closed / ownership transferred; vacant since the mid-1990s. 

2018–2020 — Council Masterplan references protecting the Essoldo and engaging with the owner; listed-building consent for heating/ventilation for the auditorium was granted (late 2019 / 2020). 

2023 — Listed-building applications, including telecoms equipment, attracted stakeholder comments (e.g., Theatres Trust). 

2024 — Added to a Buildings-at-Risk listing by SAVE, increasing public visibility. 

Heritage / legal status

Grade II listed — legally protected; any significant change requires listed-building consent. That protection is probably the single most important factor shaping the building’s future (limits demolition, controls alterations).  “At risk” / conservation attention — local groups and heritage bodies have flagged its fragile condition; SAVE’s October 2024 spotlight reinforces urgency. 

Planning & policy context

Stretford Masterplan: Trafford Council’s masterplan explicitly identifies the Essoldo as a site to retain/restore within town-centre regeneration proposals. That means any redevelopment proposals will be placed in the context of wider town centre improvements.  Recent consents/applications: Listed-building consent for heating/ventilation (auditorium) — a small but meaningful consent to make parts of the building usable again.  Telecoms / equipment applications in 2023 prompted formal comments from Theatres Trust (shows the building remains an active subject of planning notices). 

Current condition and risks

Condition is described as fragile; being empty for decades has allowed deterioration. The listing slows unsympathetic demolition, but without a viable reuse/finance plan the building remains at risk (this is a typical problem for single-owner historic theatres). Heritage groups have warned urgent action is needed to avoid loss. 

Who the stakeholders are (in summary)

Trafford Council (planning & masterplan lead).  Owner (private; ownership which has been opaque at times). Local policy notes council engagement with owner.  Local community groups mainly based online, sometimes tempoary.  Heritage bodies: SAVE Britain’s Heritage, Theatres Trust, Historic England (listing oversight). 

Opportunities (what could realistically happen)

Conservation + adaptive reuse: because the building is listed and identified in the Masterplan, a viable developer could be supported to convert it to mixed creative/commercial use (subject to listed-building constraints).  Phased approach: small interventions that make spaces safe/usable could allow community events, raising profile and funding for larger interventions.

What’s not public / uncertain

No publicly announced, funded redevelopment scheme (as of the latest sources). Ownership intentions have not been publicly confirmed in a way that points to immediate large-scale restoration. 

Practical next steps if you want to track / influence outcomes

Monitor the Trafford planning portal for new planning & listed-building applications (search by address / listing number). The masterplan documents and consultation pages are also updated by the council.  Follow local campaign groups including this one.  Watch heritage bodies (SAVE Britain’s Heritage, Theatres Trust) — their attention often triggers broader media coverage and sometimes funding opportunities.  If you want to act locally: contact your local councillor or the Stretford Masterplan team to ask how the council is engaging the owner and what public or community options are being considered.  

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