Representatives of Walthamstow’s business community gathered outside the EMD Cinema at the weekend to demonstrate their support for saving the venue.
Waltham Forest Council is currently considering a planning application by owners the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) aimed at converting the historic cinema for religious use despite previous plans being rejected by the government.
“A revived cinema would certainly be the best use for the EMD building,” said Glenn Conn of estate agents Haart. “It would benefit the local community and businesses and make Walthamstow a more attractive place to live”.
Fellow estate agent Andrew Goad of Churchill Estates agreed. “We strongly feel that the community would greatly benefit from the EMD re-opening as a cinema,” he said. “It would enhance local businesses and the regeneration plan for the area”.
His comments were echoed by Ben Tobin, managing director of the borough’s largest estate agent Strettons. “Since the council’s failure to secure a development on the former Arcade site the cinema is one of the most focal points in the town centre,” he said. “There is a strong need for a viable town centre and this would be a significant boost”.
Many of the area’s restaurants and bars are also throwing their weight behind efforts to revive the cinema.
“I want the EMD to come back,” said Peking Chef manageress Ming Feng Li. “It would benefit all the people who live in Walthamstow”.
“The cinema would generate more customers who would use local amenities before and after going to screenings,” added Grove Cafe manager Franc Escuder. “This would help build a sense of community and cohesion”.
Aaron Clingham, co-manager of the Rose and Crown pub, agreed. “A cinema at the EMD is necessary for the continued regeneration of Walthamstow and would be of vital importance to businesses and residents alike,” he said.
Stuart Arnott is the director of the Red Planet multimedia production company based in Hatherley Mews next to the EMD. He believes the venue’s revival would transform the area. “A restored cinema would be a jewel in East London’s crown, a focal point for civic pride and a unique visitor attraction,” he said. “It would benefit a variety of local businesses as Walthamstow would become a destination to spend the day. I urge the council to reject any change to the building’s use and do everything in its power to allow it to remain a cinema”.
Councillors are expected to vote on the EMD’s future in the next few weeks.
PHOTO: Business representatives from Haart Estate Agents (Hoe Street), Peking Chef restaurant (Hoe Street), L’Hirondelle Cafe (Hoe Street), Academy Design (Hatherley Mews), Fenicks Dry Cleaners (Hoe Street), Tidy Books (Hatherley Mews), Kaz Digital Services (Hoe Street), Grove Cafe (Hoe Street), Celsius Wine Bar (Hoe Street), Sibercow (Hatherley Mews), Rose and Crown Theatre Pub (Hoe Street), Strettons (Hoe Street) and Hiltongrove Business Centre (Hatherley Mews).
