The site of the old cinema in Wavertree, once the favourite of John Lennon and George Harrison, has been empty for the last six years
04:00, 06 Mar 2026
The former Abbey Cinema, Wavertree, Liverpool.(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
A much-loved former cinema was once the cornerstone of culture for the people in one part of Liverpool, and formed cherished memories for the thousands who walked through its doors. Opened in March 1939, the Abbey Cinema belonged to the golden era of British film when local picture houses attracted mass audiences.
Designed by Sir Alfred Ernest Shennan, The Abbey’s first screening was Joy of Living, featuring Irene Dunne. For the next several decades, it went on to screen hundreds of classics of the silver screen, all amid ornate columns lit up with neon lights, and its foyer replete with luxurious bar area and goldfish pond.
However, since closing its doors in 1979, it’s fair to say The Abbey in Wavertree has lived many lives, and before achieving Grade II listed status in 2021, the childhood favourite cinema of John Lennon and George Harrison, was a bingo, a snooker hall. and has been used for three supermarkets. These included Lennon’s during the 1980s, Somerfield in the 1990s and finally operating as Co-op until 2020.
The building was fated for another supermarket when Lidl bought the site and submitted an application to demolish the building and construct a new 18,000 sq ft store. These plans were met with significant local opposition, with many campaigning to preserve the site.
The former Abbey Cinema on Church Street North, Wavertree, Liverpool, 1939(Image: Courtesy of Liverpool Central Library and Archives)
Lidl’s initial plans were eventually thwarted after The Abbey was certified as a listed building, but the German-based retailer returned to the drawing board, and submitted a new planning application in 2022. The revised proposal said it would “repair, restore and consolidate” the property’s corner rotunda feature, and install windows and wall tiles to match the originals.
Despite its best attempts, Lidl’s proposal ran out of road, and in March 2023, the supermarket withdrew its application, citing “significant delays” during the process, and put the site up for sale.
Somerfield on Church Road North Wavertree, 2009(Image: Gareth Jones/Liverpool ECHO)
A previous listing on the Mason Partners website said: “The original cinema is Grade II Listed however there is a single storey extension to the rear which could be converted for future development.”
In a later twist, and at the start of December 2024, squatters were thought to be living in the building. At the time, Cllr Carl Cashman said the issue was reported to him by local residents, and requested for the council to support those who living there.
The former Abbey Cinema, Wavertree, Liverpool. February 10, 1987(Image: Mirrorpix)
Now, more than six years since The Abbey building became vacant, it remains uninhabited, and seemingly unwanted. The Liverpool ECHO contacted both Lidl and Mason Partners to enquire about the site and whether it was still up for sale.
Mason Partners confirmed they were still actively marketing the property, but gave no details as to any live offers or whether it had attracted any recent interest.
The former Abbey Cinema, Wavertree, Liverpool.
Similarly, a Lidl spokesperson told us it still intends to sell the site, and continues to review possible alternative locations for a new store. The retailer also offered assurances about the security of the building and confirmed it is subject to regular monitoring and maintenance.
The ECHO paid a visit to The Abbey earlier this week, and it was clear the structure remains sound, and you can still feel its old magic. However, there is an ongoing sadness that such a beautiful building could be left empty for so many years.
With all it’s wonderful history, the future of the old Abbey Cinema is still a mystery, but it’s hoped something will soon materialise.