2398 replies to this topic

[nico]

Hi all

I have been contacted by a cinema group that possibly might be interested in having a cinema in the Crystal Palace/Norwood area. I wrote to a group of cinemas about a year ago trying to get something done about the vacant pubs around the Norwood Junction area.

Apparently, they were looking at the Gala Bingo hall around Church Road but have lost out. They were wondering if there would be support in the area and if people would be willing to support such a venture coming to the area.
Very early days but they would be interested in hearing everyone's views. I can't at this stage give out the name of the group but would be one everyone would approve of - eg not a nasty multiplex.

well, a few doors down from the bingo hall is a grey building, boarded up with murals which used to be a cinema. I think it's ideal for the unnamed picture house you may be talking about. After all, it is the right size... or maybe not, I haven't measured it but it seems planning permission these days is easy to get...

[The Anerley ORB]

Good on you for you starting the ball rolling. Think its safe to say that the vast majority of people in the area would welcome and support a local cinema.

Regardless of the site chosen, the developers will no doubt come up against a vocal local minority who are staunch defenders of the status quo. Its always been an area that has struggled to reconcile the benefits of change for the majority with the desire to protect personal interests and agendas.

However you can count on my support.

Edited by The Anerley ORB, 02 June 2009 - 09:43 PM.

[JMH]

I think it's a fantastic idea. I would definitely use it, especially if it's a Picturehouse style of cinema. If the site is available, surely the building that used to be a cinema would be ideal.

[The americas]

Great idea! Love films, love independant films more.

Something other to do than get eat and drink close to our doorstep would be great. Don't really go to blcokbusters that much any more and the prices they charge would definately go to the pictures more frequently if it was that closer to home. (a sensible pricing strategy like mid week discounted rates would see me there a lot)

The preference would be for a picture house type place, that adds some character and culture to the triangle or even some where like the Ritzy.

If I'm not mistaken wasn't the Gala Bingo hall a cinema of old round here?? I'm not old enough to remember it but have heard work colleagues who know the area talk of it before.

well, a few doors down from the bingo hall is a grey building, boarded up with murals which used to be a cinema. I think it's ideal for the unnamed picture house you may be talking about. After all, it is the right size... or maybe not, I haven't measured it but it seems planning permission these days is easy to get...

I'm sure that used to be a mercedes benz showroom - so would have plenty of space though not sure about height.



Hey all we need now is a camping shop, a cheap clothes shop, a tesco's, a pet shop and a penny sweet shop on G. Hill and we'll have gone full circle... LOL (80's childhood!)

Though I do genuinely miss the penny sweet shop on Gipsy Hill and the penny sweet shack by the station (now a curry house).

Edited by The americas, 02 June 2009 - 10:24 PM.

[guineagirl]

The only thing against a Church Rd location is all the traffic beetling down there at all hours...they would have to make sure there was some traffic calming or a wider pavement with barriers directly outside the cinema exit - especially as teenagers like milling around cinemas before and after the film (at least I did at that age) - and the Church Rd pavements do get very narrow in some places.

So as long as the extra pedestrian traffic, and special consideration for a younger audience, is taken into account, I say what a good idea! I love going to the cinema on quiet weekends when I've go nothing else on, but usually lack the energy to drag myself to Clapham or Brixton on a lazy Sunday - but I'm sure I would make the trip up to CP instead.

[Mah-in]

Yes, I would go. For us, it's one of very few things that Crystal Palace doesn't have.

[beefqueen]

Another vote here, both for a cinema in general and, in particular, for it being in one of the old buildings on Church Road.

[flash1969]

Definitely think "Crystal Palace Picturehouse" has mass appeal. I would definitely use it, and think a membership facility would also prove appealing to people.

[Summit Lover]

Would definitely go!

[doowron]

Why not a multiplex ? A change and choice of films every week. A few years ago we were promised a sparkling new leisure complx and multiplex on the top palace site. after a lot of trouble from bussed in crusties the idea was dropped. And guess what the very same sponsers of this rabble are now campaigning for a liesure complex on the very same site ! Some crank as put a lump of metal there as a signpost to buiding a ne Crystal Palace. Saints preserve us !

[phoenix]

The old cinema used to be where the Gala Bingo is sited - my mother - many years ago - went to see a Myrna Loy film there! One of the old time Hollywood Greats.

[OurPippin]

A big YES from me and mine! A cinema is exactly what we need to kick a bit of life into the place. It would be wonderful. And now, with cinemas moving towards 3D, there is going to be a return to people "going to the movies" - you can't experience 3D with your HD Plasma... Is there anything else we can do to show our support?

[Palacegirl]

and a clear YES from me too.... I love the Ritzy and go there fairly often, although not often enough. Would I have a cinema (independent picturehouse) on my door step, I think I would use it much more often.

I hope the cinema group is reading this thread!!!

please please


...palacegirl

[alexpilk]

Whilst I think a cinema would be incredible, and the old Mercedes showroom on Church Road would certainly seem to fit the bill, I would worry about parking around there. It seems a shame that a cinema couldn't somehow be located nearer the Sainsbury's car park, which in the evenings could serve that purpose.

[ChewderOde]

C Palace used to have 2 cinemas - both in Church Road - one where the Gala Bingo now is and one where the closed car showroom is - currently boarded up and painted with flourescent street art (c/o Dylan I think!). That would be an ideal location for a cinema in my view and would help to regenerate Church Road and act as an "anchor" to drag people round from the other sides of the triangle. Perhaps it could double as a playhouse or art studio to harness local talent. I guess there will be some increased traffic but all in all it would be a good thing for the area in my opinion and offer something new. However I think the building has already been granted planning permission for a residential development??