Ealing's redevelopment plans criticised

New plans for Ealing's cinema quarter have
been criticised by the body that protects the area's heritage.

Ealing Civic Society say they welcome 'in principle' proposals from Land Securities for the regeneration of the former Empire cinema site, but believe the current Ealing Fimworks proposal needs more work.

The £100million pound plan is to have a multi screen cinema, an outdoor cinema, community / gallery space restaurants cafes bars, 150 flats and new pedestrianised streets linking New Broadway, Bond Street and Walpole Park.

It's expected the scheme will create around 350 jobs.

Land Securities recently held an exhibition of the plans at Ealing Broadway and say they received 92% positive feedback from those who visited.

However Ealing Civic Society are not so happy.

They accept that the site has been derelict for too long and are pleased with the proposed reuse of the Walpole Picture Theatre facade which is currently in Mattock Lane.

But they outline major reservations about the scheme which they summarise:

• there are no active uses behind the retained 1934 former cinema facade (only flats);
• too many eating and drinking establishments and not enough mixed uses;
• no cultural facilities apart from cinema screens, a very small gallery and open air performance space;
• too high frontage (up to 6-7 storeys) on the southern perimeter affecting the setting of the Grade I listed Pitzhanger Manor (and arch) opposite; and
• major problems of servicing access and the poor environment of the open air performance space.

Ealing Civic Society say the proposals represent a missed opportunity and require significant improvement.

Also, they believe they need to be considered in conjunction with other cultural/community facilities proposed for the restored Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery and Ealing Town Hall.

Ealing Civic Society will be taking theissues up with Land Securities and Ealing Council.

You can still comment on the plans 'till July 15th by going to the web site www.ealingfilmworks.com where you can leave comments (or vent your spleen) online or by calling 020 7323 3544 or email info@ealingfilmworks.com.

What did you think? Comment on the plans on the forum

2nd July 2013