Opened in 1939, the Birks retained some original interior features in cinema-bingo use until conversion to an amusement arcade in the 1980s. This closed around 2004.
Following a huge community campaign, with the involvement of locally-born actor Alan Cumming, the building was purchased by the Friends of the Birks Cinema in 2009, thanks to a Townscape Heritage Grant. It was subsequently completely remodelled internally to feature a new 100-seat auditorium using digital projection and featuring double seats in the back for those who wish to cosy up! The rest of the building has been given over to a cafe, meeting rooms and event spaces to bring in much-needed revenue to support the cinema operation. This reborn Birks opened on the 19th April 2013.
