In 1987 the cinema was taken over by the Dart Valley Steam railway whose Paignton Station entrance is alongside. They had a grandiose idea for using the cinema as a booking hall on the lines of The Grand Central Station in New YORK. Their plans for this were thwarted when Torbay Council and English Heritage became involved, with the Picture House being declared a Grade II listed building in 1991.

It continued as a cinema until 26th September 1999 when it finally closed due to a number of reasons - one of which was that the Festival Theatre on the sea front was converted into a multiplex. It has remained closed since then with only the minimum care and attention being given to it by its owners.

No heating through the winter months in a building over time will start to cause deterioration and, if left for too long, irreversible damage to the internal fabric of that building.

As it is now listed, there is no way the present owners are going to be allowed to make the alterations they want to make. A number of approaches have been made to the railway from the 'Save Paignton's Historic Cinema group' and other interested parties but no movement has been made.

This great little cinema could be brought back to life again because of what it is and where it is, the tourism factor alone is well worth considering.

Torbay consists of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham and has many visitors and locals that would appreciate the many uses it could have if opened again.

There are some well known names that are ready to give support when there is positive movement in bringing back to life this little time capsule of history which if lost will be gone for good.

If you want to get involved please get in touch.