City centre cinema set to become office block
CITY councillors have given the green light to plans to turn the old Odeon cinema site into an office block.
The Angel Row building will be demolished and replaced with a block between four and 11 storeys high.
Nottingham City Council's development control committee voted in favour of the proposal yesterday.
Council planners had recommended the scheme be approved, but some councillors voiced concerns about its impact on the garden of the nearby grade-II listed Bromley House Library.
Basford councillor Cat Arnold backed the plan, saying: "The cinema was no oil painting, so anything will improve things."
But Coun Dick Benson opposed the development.
He said: "It does nothing for Bromley Gardens, Long Row or Maid Marian Way.
"It may block off the awfulness of the Park Plaza, but it may also make Maid Marian Way a contender for the ugliest street in Europe."
After the meeting, Bromley House librarian Carol Barstow said she was disappointed with the decision.
"I think it's very short-sighted and I think it's a decision they will regret," she said.
"It will affect the library badly because it is going to be so much bigger than anybody realises."
Ms Barstow added that the building would block out light into the garden and into the library itself.
"We had quite a lot of people sign a petition against it," she said. "I got the impression our views didn't count as much.
"There is going to be a huge amount of disappointment."
Notts MP Alan Simpson wrote to the committee expressing his objections.
He said the development would bring "very little of architectural merit to the city."
He said: "It makes a laughing stock of the Urban Design Guide and makes it appear that the city has principles that only last until someone waves money at an invitation to abandon them."
Concerns that building could be hit by the economic downturn were quashed by planning officials.
8 Comments
by paul, city
Tuesday, May 19 2009, 11:23AM
“Russell, What with the arena, Rock city, the maze, Bar 7 and numerous other places I think Nottm is well catered for regarding live music, and some local colleges cater for budding sound technicians and their ilk. If you wanted to tour your promotions ther are plenty of places that are already in existence and I wouldn't hold your breath, things take a while in this hole”
by Russell Bowers, Manchester
Tuesday, May 19 2009, 10:05AM
“I know this is an old thread, however i would like to see what opinion the people of Nottingham would be if this building were to be renovated (investor expense / local authority input) to make this a first class live music venue? (all genres as well as musical shows), rehearsal space for bands, sound and lighting technicians training and planning.
I promote and tour musical productions in the Uk and international, this building has on the face of it potential.
my question is: would/ do the people of nottingham and surrounding boroughs want/ need a venue of this type?”
by Russell Bowers, Manchester
Tuesday, May 19 2009, 9:53AM
“I am involved in Live music Promotion, my question is: would the people of nottingham welcome a live music venue (all genres inc musical shows) within this building? renovation would naturally be needed, but would it work?, this could rival O2 academies and attract artistes, but investment in renovating a building such as this needs a return in time and i would like to guage if Nottingham wants/ needs this type of venue.”
by David, Notts
Thursday, December 18 2008, 7:07AM
“Some people will see anything as progress. In reality this is another nail in the city centre's coffin.”
by James amadou, Nottingham
Wednesday, December 17 2008, 11:39PM
“Brilliant! all in favour of progress, its time there was a radical over-hall of the city centre. Hats off to Nottingham City Council development control”
by The Terrier, Hucknall
Wednesday, December 17 2008, 10:31PM
“Wow, city council cow-towing to the new planning laws brought in by the present government. Don't these Planning Councillors have minds of their own? The city centre is due for ruination. Shameful. The names of the planning committee will forever be recorded as enemies of the city. Just like those at Ashfield DC, but then, that's another story!.........”
by Christopher, Beeston, Notts
Wednesday, December 17 2008, 9:16PM
“Of course the council never listen to people's views, don't think they ever have. So another part of the city centre will be ruined forever. I think all the library employees and users should complain, as it goes against their human rights.”
by Christopher Frost, Beeston, Notts
Wednesday, December 17 2008, 9:11PM
“Of course the council don't care what people think. I don't believe they ever have. Seems like another part of the city is going to be ruined for good. I'd try complaining that it's going against the human rights of all library users and staff.”