Vancouver city council approves plan to save historic Hollywood Theatre

Vancouver city council has approved a plan to preserve the decades-old Hollywood Theatre.

The plan is to reopen the theatre as part of a new six-storey development that will provide a performance space for live music, among other events.

The space will also be used to support local community producers, non-profit arts and cultural organizations and special interest groups.

The Art Deco-style theatre was built and opened on West Broadway in Kitsilano in 1935.

It was designed by architect Harold Cullerne, the man behind the very first PNE prize home. It opened in 1935and was operated by the Fairleigh family until 2011, when it was sold to Bonnis Properties.

At the time, the developer planned to construct a two-storey fitness facility on the site.

According to a staff report, the theatre is still in "excellent condition." The developer plans to install new washrooms using the original fixtures and to upgrade the lobby.

With files from CBC News

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