Empire Strikes Back

Cinema Chief Executive will attend Ealing's special committee meeting

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Empire Cinemas' Chief Executive, Justin Ribbons, will be attending a committee hearing of Ealing Council on Thursday (28th July) to explain what's going on with the neglected Cinema site.

The company (owned by Ward Anderson) demolished the old cinema opposite the Town Hall nearly three years ago but no work has started to create the proposed £20million complex featuring 16 screens, a restaurant and café over two floors.

The site has been left a boaded up derelict eyesore and thousands of people signed a petition urging the company to get on with the project.

Despite numerous requests from the Council and local MP Angie Bray, Empire has not been able to say if - or when - building work would get underway.

In February 2011 the Council bought the YMCA on Bond Street to combine this site with the stalled Cinema Scheme on Uxbridge Road to 'deliver a more comprehensive mixed-use scheme'.

Council officers say this opportunity has been offered to the owners of Empire Cinema but there has been very little response.

A report is due before the Cabinet Committee this week seeking permission for officers to finalise a case for the Compulsory Purchase of the site.

Mr Ribbons was invited to attend a special council hearing and today Ealing's Head of Scrutiny Keith Fraser has informed EalingToday.Co.Uk that Mr Ribbons will be attending.

'' Readers might be interested to note that The CEO of Empire Cinemas will be coming to Ealing Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee on this Thursday (28th).

''If any residents want to send me some questions for the councillors to ask please let me have them by the end of Wednesday.

''You can email me - fraserk@ealing.gov.uk''

Kuldeep Brar started the petition campaign for Ealing's cinema and is now urging everyone to show Mr Ribbons that feelings are running high.

She is hoping people will attend before tonight's meeting - read her blog here.

 

 

 

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20th July 2011

 

 

 

 

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