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Fears of sad ending for cinema
CINEMA fans have declared war on developers behind the regeneration of Leicester Square, accusing them of pushing through “highly destructive” plans and warning that the future of the area as the home of British film is under threat.
The Cinema Theatre Association wants greater protection for famous venues in the square. The group has been vocal in its opposition to the new 11-storey Swiss Centre and is fearful that plans for the site of the Odeon will relegate cinema as an afterthought behind its function as a hotel by “hiding” smaller auditoriums in the basement. The decision by developers to have two smaller screening rooms in the basement is “a token gesture to the location”, the association claims.
Spokeswoman Eva Branscombe said: “None of the cinemas in Leicester Square are protected through statutory listing. The Empire, the Vue and even the flagship Odeon could be next in line for demolition – all in the name of ‘regenerating’ one of London’s busiest and best-liked locations.”
Westminster Council denies the flagship redevelopment will impinge on the square’s heritage. It points to its Unitary Development Plan, which protects cinemas and refuses change of use planning permission where there are already screens.
In a statement on behalf of the council, deputy leader Robert Davis said: “We refute any suggestion that we do not see Leicester Square as important and vital to the entertainment industry. We currently have plans to invest £18million in a revamp of the square so we are completely committed to making sure that this important area of London remains the home of entertainment for generations to come.” |
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