Part of Lime Street in Liverpool city centre will remain closed until midnight on 31 May while essential safety work continues on the former Futurist cinema.

Structural experts were aiming to make the shell of the historic building secure by 6am today (26 May), but the procedure has taken longer than anticipated.

Unstable pieces of the derelict structure were deemed a potential danger to the public following a report by independent building inspectors last month.

The road closure is from Skelhorne Street to Copperas Hill with pedestrian access maintained on the side of Lime Street opposite the Futurist. Diversions remain in force.

A Liverpool City Council spokesman, says: “The decision to continue with the road closure is not one that we have taken lightly. The council recognises the inconvenience caused to motorists and businesses, however public safety is of paramount importance. We would like to thank people for their continued patience, understanding and co-operation.”

The Futurist was earmarked for demolition under Neptune Developments’ plans to regenerate Lime Street, but an appeal to save the building by SAVE Britain’s Heritage has been given the green light by the Court of Appeal.

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