Nine weeks in and what a journey it’s been so far.

Kane Yeardley, James O'Hara and James Hill

When we took on Abbeydale Picture House, we knew we were stepping into something special—but first, we had to figure out exactly what we had, from the incredible features to the challenges ahead. While we’ve been working on plans behind the scenes, Picture House Social has been keeping the building alive, ensuring it remained a vibrant space right up until their final weekend on Saturday, 30th March – our thanks to James O'Hara and James Hill. 

Now, with full access, we’re keen to start bringing our vision to life. Once we got under the surface, we broke the building down into sections—what we could renovate now to get it back open and trading, and what needed a longer-term plan. No one wants this place sitting empty any longer than necessary, and every step we take is about breathing life back into it as soon as possible.  

Of course, everything is still in the planning phase. Given the building’s heritage and listed status, no work can begin until we have the proper planning permissions in place. This means our timelines and reopening dates remain flexible—we’re committed to making the best decisions, not just the quickest ones. To support our vision, we’re working closely with a highly experienced local architect, Tracy-Jane Neal, who has collaborated with True North for over 15 years. 

One of the biggest opportunities is the former ballroom, more recently known for being the Shuffle Shack room. It’s a huge space with so much potential, and we want to transform it into something inviting, social, and open daily for the local community to enjoy. Our vision? A tasteful pool lounge and bar where people can get delicious food and drinks, sit comfortably, and play pool in a relaxed, welcoming environment.  

Then there’s the bar area— some will say the heart of the venue. We want to restore some of its original style and elegance while ensuring it remains a place for late-night dancing and socialising on Abbeydale Road. Our focus is on creating a safe, enjoyable space that reflects the building’s history while bringing it back to life for modern audiences.  

We’re aiming to reopen some of these spaces in the summer, but we know this process requires patience. Respecting the building’s heritage and working within the regulations that protect it is our priority, so we’ll move at the pace it allows.  

We’ll keep you updated and share more as we move forward—this is just the beginning.