Where is Acton's Cinema?
Still no news on when Curzon will be opening in the old library
Frustration is growing over the lack of progress regarding the proposed cinema in Acton. The latest statement from the Council gives no indication when work on the project might start and Curzon, the company chosen to run the cinema, are currently not responding to requests for specifics about the likely timetable for the cinema.
In 2014 Ealing Council had five different options to redevelop the site of Acton's old library one of which was a popular local arts centre proposal.
The council instead opted for Curzon which included a cinema, restaurant, bar and three flats on the top floor.
Giving Curzon the green light Councillor Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council, said, “I will be recommending this proposal to cabinet, because I believe that a top independent cinema like Curzon will be a major asset for Acton. This is their fourth outer London cinema and getting them to come to Acton is a major coup. The cinema will attract visitors and further investment to the area, boost local shops and restaurants and improve Ealing’s range of cultural experiences. “
He added that they were keeping up the pressure to bring a cinema back to Ealing town centre after 'years of broken promises from Empire.'
But there has been no obvious progress on the development, nor explanation as to what is causing the hold up.
Ealing town centre has already been through major problems with the redevelopment of its cinema, which, after more than eight years is still not yet built. Acton residents fear they may have to go through a similar frustrating scenario.
We asked Ealing Council for an update and a council spokesperson said, ''We are still in discussions with Curzon on developing a cinema and our legal agreement with them remains in place. We want Acton’s old library building to be an asset to the town centre and we are working hard to achieve this.''
We have asked Curzon to supply any further information and will update as soon as it arrives.
August 17, 2017
