Waverley Cinema (Former), 18, Moss-side Road, Shawlands

Large block, with 3 street elevations; red ashlar, some late 17th century detailing; original glazing. Lead-domed recessed and curved SE corner bay, big entrance, painted and with pair giant Egyptianised columns; centre doored 6-bay range to Moss-Side Road, part concealed by trees; 1-3-1 front to Frankfort Street, sculptured roundels over inner windows; attic storey above main cornice. Main roof slated and tarred, big roof ventilator; plain elevation to Bertram Street.

An unusual design with a striking domed entrance corner, the former Waverley Cinema is an important part of the streetscape. It is an early purpose-built cinema, an increasingly rare building type in a city closely associated with the genre. Watson, Salmond and Gray were more associated with commercial and hospital work and this may have been their only cinema design. With a seating capacity of 1,320, the Waverley Cinema opened in December 1922. It was renamed the ABC in 1964 and closed as a cinema in 1973. After use as a bingo hall, and then a snooker club from 1982, it was empty by 2002. It was later sold and converted to a bar/restaurant/club. Information from the Cinema Theatre Association suggests that interior features remain, particularly plasterwork and ironmongery to the foyer and barrel-vaulted auditorium.

References and Notes updated as part of Cinemas Thematic Study 2007-08. (Historic Environment Scotland)

27 October 2017: Nominated for the Register by a member of the public as disused and reported to have deteriorated rafters and subject to vegetation growth around the entrance tower. Thought to have last been in use as a cafe/bar. For Investigation.

5 March 2019: A member of the public nominates the site for the Register noting remains closed and boarded up.

23 July 2021: Planning permission (19/02410/FUL) conditionally granted for use of premises as Public House (Sui Generis) with beer garden.

12 April 2023: External inspection finds that the building is vacant and does not appear to be maintained. The visible areas of the roof have a few missing or slipped slates and the lead of the dome appears intact. There are areas of damp masonry, algae growth and salt deposits around failing rainwater goods. Some of the stone above the main entry shows signs of decay. Masonry movement is visible at the northwest corner. The glass panels of the modern patio have been broken and vandalised. The doors and windows are generally covered and unable to assessed. Move to At Risk.

Post Survey Update: The Scottish Daily Express reported (23/05/2023) Wetherspoons is proposing to open a public house within the former cinema.

14 June 2023: The Glasgow Times reports (9/6/2023) Wetherspoon's has decided not to proceed with converting the building, latterly a nightclub, into a public house. The site will instead be marketed for sale.