An iconic cinema could yet win a reprieve after Cadw said it was looking at whether the building should be listed.

Since an application to demolish Porthmadog’s Coliseum cinema was lodged with Gwynedd county council last week, more than 870 people have “liked” a protest page on Facebook.

Yesterday Cadw, the body which governs historic buildings in Wales, said: “Following a recent request, Cadw is reviewing its assessment of the Porthmadog Coliseum against the criteria for listing buildings and will make a decision in due course.”

Aled Jones, an organiser and spokesperson for the Save The Coliseum From Demolition campaign group, was optimistic about the latest turn of events.

He said: “Anything that results in the building being saved is fantastic news.”

Develop UK Northern applied for consent to demolish the building last Tuesday.

As people became aware of the bid protesters set up the Achubwch y Coliseum Rhag Dymchwel/Save the Coliseum from Demolition Facebook page.

Those opposing the closing of the cinema had been expecting pub chain JD Wetherspoon to take over the site but were shocked to find it could be knocked down and lost forever.

Mr Jones said: “It was a surprise but this news seems to have galvanised people.

“When they found out about the demolition they were really upset.

“It seems it will be saved or it will be demolished. There are only two options now.

“They obviously assume they will get it demolished.

“People are very upset they have put this outline plan in without saying what will replace it.

“The older people in the town remember the old town hall, which remained a vacant lot for a long, long time.

“This company is here to make money and has no local interest.”

The planning application said: “The existing vacant building is not commercially viable and is in a poor condition.

“The building has previously had emergency repairs carried out to the roof due to its current state of repair. Therefore the applicant wishes to demolish the building prior to the winter period setting in.

“The clearance of the site will make way for the site to be commercially re-developed in due course.”

Aled Jones says the campaign has an architect’s report which says otherwise.

“We have an architect’s report which disagrees,” he said.

“It says that the building is not in such poor repair. Money is the bottom line for these developers.”