The Cinema, 25 Church Road

The campaign to return a cinema to Crystal Palace is even older than this blog, having been started by a group of optimistic locals back in 2009, when the former Rialto building on Church Road which had been a bingo hall since the 60s, was sold to Kingsway International Christian Centre. It seemed like an opportunity had been lost, and rather than an amenity for local people, the church would be ferrying in its congregation from outside the area. When the church applied to Bromley Council to change the use of the building from cinema/bingo (D2) to a place of worship (D1), the persistence of the campaign team helped to prevent this from happening. The church clung on to the building for another couple of years, using it as a cultural events venue, which didn't really suit their requirements. They finally put the building up for sale earlier this year, and there was much concern that developers, or other non cinema organisations might take an interest. But then it was announced, to much local excitement that the winning bidder was established cinema group, Everyman. An opening date of some time in November has been pencilled in, although in the meantime there is much work to be done. I was delighted to be given the opportunity to access the building prior to works beginning, to record the current condition of the building, which was designed in 1928 by the renowned cinema Architect, George Coles. The existing auditorium is impressively vast, with a circle, or balcony level over the main space. However, a single screen cinema is not financially viable these days, so the building's single volume will be split into four screens, plus a bar. It was therefore important to get a complete record of the place now, as it will look very different in a few months time. I assume some of the elaborate decoration will be retained, but I've not seen the detailed proposals other than the layout plans. I hope to be back once the doors have opened in November, to take pics of the finished project. Meanwhile, many congratulations to all those involved in the campaign over the years. Thank you for helping make this happen. Can't wait for premiere night!

The foyer which will include a bar

The trap door in the stage actually descends to a baptismal pool installed by previous owners.

The projection room

View from the projection room

The huge brick exterior of the auditorium was once hidden behind a small row of shops to the right of the entrance foyer. It would be nice to see something along those lines rebuilt.

Central Hill Estate

Just facing the northwest corner of the Triangle, lies the Central Hill Estate, an award winning development of social housing, built between 1966-73, by Lambeth's architecture department lead by Ted Hollamby, and designed by Rosemary Stjernstedt, which is now, sadly under threat of possible demolition. Some of you may think that fate is no bad thing. Architecture of that period is not widely loved, but then 50 years ago nor was Victorian architecture. Amazing to think now that a building as magnificent and loved as St. Pancras railway station and its adjoining hotel, came close to demolition. And while of course that building is in a different league, there is a deep attachment to the endless streets of ordinary 19th century terraced homes up and down the country, plenty of which are in pretty shoddy condition. We wouldn't think for one moment of demolishing them though.
But this isn't just about architectural tastes, it's about a community and people. A couple of months ago, I went to meet Nicola Curtis, a council tenant on the estate, who earlier this year started a campaign to save it. Part of what motivated her was the complete lack of transparency on the part of Lambeth Borough Council. In fact the role of the council in the history of this estate has been poor from the very start. Decades of neglect have resulted in the situation the estate now finds itself, and having neglected things so long, the council now can't afford to address all the problems that the buildings face, and are therefore seeking to effectively sell off the estate to developers with deeper pockets. Initially residents were lead to believe that this involved refurbishment with some rebuilding, but the likelihood is that actually wholesale demolition will be proposed, forcing people, some of whom have lived there since the estate was built, to move away. The stress and frustration of many on the estate is understandable. Nicola herself is recovering from a stroke earlier in the year, so the upheaval is the last thing she needs. Not far away, the Cressingham Estate has undergone a similar exercise, and its fate has already been sealed.
On my tours around the neighbourhood, I discovered a collection of buildings which make the most of their landscape, topography, and views towards the city. Blocks stepping down the green hillside with generous balconies and terraces, and the rustic brick paths, the human scale, and the absence of cars from all but the periphery. I saw the pride residents have taken in their gardens, and the vision of the architects who created the estate. Yes, all is not perfect of course, but much of the trouble often associated with estates such as this, are mostly a thing of the past. People are seeing the positives of these well designed homes, and their perfect location on the doorstep of the Triangle. Slowly but surely it's becoming an increasingly desirable place to live. Why then can't it follow the example of the not dissimilar Alexandra Estate in Camden, which is now a listed structure, and with it's future assured, is thriving.

Nicola Curtis with her granddaughter

A view from the estate

One of the rather whimsical fort-like refuse points, taken during an Open House London tour lead by Senaka Weeraman.

Enclosed courtyard gardens with green roofs above the bin stores.

Through my research, I was fortunate enough to meet David Taylor, who moved onto the estate only a year or so ago. His home was in a pretty poor state when he bought it, but he has transformed it into cool and relaxed apartment, furnished sparingly with some suitably midcentury pieces. He kindly gave me permission to have a look around.

David on his balcony

London's skyline from the balcony

I would like to thank Nicola Curtis for talking to me, and for her tireless campaigning, David Taylor for allowing me to photograph his lovely apartment, and Senaka Weeraman who was a knowledgeable tour guide during London's Open House weekend.

Save Central Hill