The building at 124 Balmore Road, once under serious threat of demolition, will now remain legally protected following a formal decision published by the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) on 11 July 2025.

Allied Vehicles, which owns the art deco building, was granted a demolition warrant for the property just before Christmas 2023.

Demolition work on the ceiling then started before planning officers issued a last-minute building preservation notice (BPN).

At the time, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) declined to list the structure on procedural grounds, but legal protection for the building was secured six months later after the heritage body granted it listed status as a building of special historic and architectural interest.

Despite the partial demolition of the roof and interior structure, the reporter tasked with Allied Vehicles’ subsequent appeal concluded that what remains of the building is of “special architectural and historic interest”, and must therefore stay listed.

The decision marks the end of a months-long campaign led by local heritage advocate Andrew Moore, who launched the grassroots effort in November 2024. His tireless work involved not only mobilising over 3,800 petition signatures but also carrying out detailed research, raising awareness in community forums, engaging the media, and applying pressure through national and international preservation bodies.

“This is a huge victory for Glasgow’s heritage and for the local community,” Moore told SCN. “It was a full-time, often stressful effort, but completely worth it. I’ve been working on this every day for months—researching, sharing the history, contacting institutions, and building a case for why the Vogue deserved saving. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who supported the campaign.”

Key aspects of Moore’s campaign included creating Wikipedia pages for the Vogue Cinema and its architect James McKissack, engaging with the Glasgow School of Art and the University of Strathclyde, and securing coverage from Glasgow Times, Glasgow Live, Clyde 1 radio, and even a TV segment. He also contacted local councillors, MSPs, Historic Environment Scotland (HES), and Glasgow City Council.

The building had been granted an emergency Category C listing in 2023 following partial demolition, which sparked concern over public safety. The owner, Allied Vehicles, argued that the remaining structure posed risks and appealed to have the listing rescinded.

In rejecting that appeal, the government reporter acknowledged flaws in communication and process by HES and Glasgow City Council, but concluded: “There are no factors which would justify the building not being listed.”

With the appeal now formally dismissed, any future work on the site must now obtain listed building consent. Moore hopes the outcome will encourage a new conversation about thoughtful reuse.

“This isn’t just about bricks and mortar,” he said. “It’s about recognising the stories and communities that buildings like the Vogue have anchored for generations. I hope this inspires more people to stand up for their local landmarks.”