A FORMER furniture warehouse that was being used as a cannabis factory has found a "thrilling" new purpose.

The Glasgow Times exclusively told in February how, to the shock of the building's owners, the former Phoenix Furniture Glasgow premises was housing a hash farm.

But now an artists' charity is taking over part of the building and turning it into a cinema.

READ MORE: Details revealed of Govanhill's festival and carnival

And Glasgow Artists’ Moving Image Studios (GAMIS) has announced an exciting programme of films to coincide with Govanhill International Festival and Carnival.

The collective, formed four years ago, has been using abandoned buildings - including the historic Govanhill Picture House - to screen films, as well as hosting showings in parks and on local streets.

Running from August 4 to 14, this year's Govanhill Film Festival and the International Festival promise to be bigger and better than before.

To see the programme for this year's Govanhill Film Festival, and to book tickets, go to: https://tinyurl.com/2xnzvsfw

As we told in February, local police officers uncovered multiple cannabis plants being grown in the Niddrie Road building.

READ MORE: Phoenix furniture factory found to contain cannabis farm

The furniture firm shut down in February 2020 and the building had lain empty.

This year than 50 groups are to take part in the largest Govanhill Carnival yet as it aims to "own the streets" and celebrate diversity.