New Cinema And Arts Hub For Ealing Centre
Former high street nightclub to be transformed into a 3 screen venue
Artists impression of new venue ( via Really Local Group)
A new community hub with 3 cinema screens and space for live music and exhibitions will be opening in Ealing Town Centre next year.
Previously home to the nightclub Karma at 10 High Street - planning permission has been granted for the 15,000 sq ft ground floor space.
It will be transformed by Wren Architects and Utility Projects to provide a new venue with cinema screens - two seating a hundred, the third holding 60 seats; a coffee shop; co-working space; and an exhibition and performance area.
The three-screen cinema will be located at basement level, with the film programming carried out in-house, ensuring a local focus.
The pricing is described as ''affordable' and the fit out will be inspired by local architecture.
The screens will have their own colour scheme - Screen 1’s bold red embodies Ealing’s film heritage and is a nod to Ealing Studios, the oldest working studio facility for film production in the world.
Screen 2’s luminous green design is inspired by nature from the Common and Walpole Park, whilst the vibrant orange character of Screen 3 relates to the repeated brickwork of Ealing terraces and local Pitzhanger Manor.
The venue is a partnership between British Land and Really Local Group, who have been involved in a number of high-street regeneration projects.
Tim Haddon, Head of Asset Management (Ealing Broadway and Standalone Portfolio) at British Land, said: “We are really excited to welcome the Really Local Group to Ealing, another important milestone as we continue the evolvement of Ealing Broadway shopping centre. Ealing has a rich film heritage, having been home to Ealing Studios, the oldest working studio facility for film production in the world. This cultural hub will enhance the amenities in the area and bring a range of benefits to the local community as well as attracting people from the wider area.”
Timeout exclusively revealed the details this week and Really Local Group founder Preston Benson told them ''We look forward to further enhancing the cultural offering in a borough with an established arts and film heritage – while also providing an adaptable, collaborative venue for locals to enjoy.''
Jan De Schynkel, arts and culture manager at Ealing Council said: '' We are delighted that a new independent cinema and mixed-use community arts venue are opening in the heart of our borough. This great addition to Ealing town centre represents a new chapter in Ealing’s rich film heritage and will only add to its appeal as a cultural destination and growing reputation for the arts."
The new venue is expected to open early next year as is the bigger, long awaited Picturehouse multiplex based in the Filmworks development.
After 13 years without any town centre cinema they both follow hot on the heels of the newly opened Chsiwick Cinema and the soon to open community funded Acton Arts Project: Act One.
Annemarie Flanagan
9 July 2021