'Work to begin in weeks on new Ealing Cinema'

THE FINAL hurdle to building a new cinema in the borough could be cleared within weeks according to its developer.

After three years arguing between the town hall and Empire Cinema, leaving the partly-demolished site an eyesore, the two sides seem to have finally reached an agreement over technical planning issues.

The council is optimistic it will be able to sign-off the plans within the next few weeks. From that point it will then take six weeks for Empire to start construction of the 20 screen complex.

In a meeting last Wednesday (14) at the House of Commons, Empire CEO Justin Ribbons told Ealing and Acton MP Angie Bray and Kuldeep Brar, who led the campaign to get the development moving again, that he was optimistic work could restart before Christmas. And construction would take between 60 and 65 weeks.

Ms Brar, said: "I think it was a very positive follow-up to the meeting we had in August.

"I think there has been movement on both sides (between Empire and the council) and we can look to the future now."

Ms Bray added: "It was a really positive meeting. Finally, we've heard good news from Justin.

"As I've said before, Ealing needs its cinema. With all of our fantastic film heritage, it's a real shame that we've been left without one for all this time.

"We need some good news in Ealing in the wake of the riot, and it's in no small part due to the efforts of Kuldeep and the other activists who've pressed so hard to get Ealing back on the film map."

Council Leader Julian Bell said: "Since the scrutiny meeting there has been a great deal of progress. We now have revised plans and we are in the process of consulting organisations, such as the local conservation panel, on the latest changes to ensure they share our understanding of what is now proposed. We are expecting those groups to respond in a matter of days.

"This preconsultation will help us process any formal application received from Empire in less than a month. We hope that once we give the go ahead, Mr Ribbons will be true to his word and start work immediately."