On Hoe Street, adjacent to the infamous Arcade site, is an old cinema, believed by many to be falling into wrack and ruin and rumoured to have been invaded by squatters.

The interior is massive, and in the days in the last century when I used to go to see movies there, it was not often full to capacity. Since its closure there has been a great deal of controversy, particularly as it was bought by a religious group who locals are suspicious of for a variety of reasons. I have several times mentioned in posts the activities of the McGuffin Society, which hopes to have the place renovated and back in some kind of working order.

To date, the doors remain shut to the public, but I am interested to see that the insides have been opened for inspection to the local Conservation Officer and Councillor James O'Rourke. The old organ is still there apparently, though not, I have been told, the projection equipment.

James O'Rourke insists there is no evidence of the squatting which had been reported in the local press, but reports the place is in a sorry state of repair.

After many years of stalemate over the building, the church is in informal talks with some Councillors about doing something with the place. Exactly what was just not clear until a recent announcement in the local press that a planning application is imminent, with a proposed partial sharing of the space, with a 250 seat theatre/cinema/conference facility to be avialble in some way for 'community use'.

This has prompted lively debate:

http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/wfnews/4106944.WALTHAMSTOW__EMD_cinema_plans_unveiled/

[Updated 9 February 2009]