The 1930s cinema on Hobson Street had faced demolition, as part of wider plans to build a new office block
A 1930s Cambridge cinema has been rescued after a planning inspector said that its demolition, as part of wider plans in the city centre, would “not be acceptable” – but readers in the CambridgeshireLive comments section say that thoughts must now turn towards a working future for the site.
The cinema on Hobson Street, with its historic art deco facade, faced demolition as part of a plan to build a new office block in the city. Councillors initially rejected the plans, but an appeal by the building’s owner, Mark Richer, argued that something needed to be done to “stop the rot and breathe in fresh life” to the site.
It was last used as a bingo hall, but the building has been empty for years, and the owner claimed to been unable to find a new user for the building. A decision notice published by the planning inspectorate has confirmed that the appeal has been dismissed, and the city council’s decision upheld.
Part of the findings read: “The former cinema has a moderate degree of significance, both for its own merits and for its contribution to the conservation area. The loss of its principal facade would result in a loss of historic fabric and would also diminish the special character and appearance of the Hobson Street streetscene.
“Whilst I appreciate that it is unlikely that a new use could be found for the building as a whole, the evidence in relation to total demolition is not compelling. On this basis I consider that the scale and extent of loss would not be acceptable.”
Some people say that the decision still leaves the future of the site in doubt. Reader NA says: “There is probably a large list of things this building could be used for, but the owner and developers do not want to invest and have decided that the only option is to knock it down & build another cheap, bland building. If this is the case it should be sold to someone who’ll take a more honest course of action. If nothing else, produce plans that keep the unique facade, and also tidy up the street.”
Commenter Julianhancock thinks it’ll be a complicated process: “What, out of curiosity, do you think it could be used for? Both retail and offices are leaving city centres. Developers are even reluctant to build off-the-peg supermarkets in edge-of-town locations because the number don’t stack up, following the surge in labour and materials costs. I somehow doubt there would be a long queue of interested buyers.”
Prickled Onion says: “Any refusal of another office block or block of flats is a good thing.”
On our Facebook page, Towpath Rat writes: “Nice bit of art deco that. Knocking it down? Now there’s a crime. Jet wash the front and repurpose it, that building could look sublime.”
Francine Helen says: “It’s always good to preserve buildings even if they’re old, as long as they are structurally sound and not a danger to the public. Buildings hold history and if they could talk, you would happily listen to them for hours. Surely it would have a good tale or two. So it’s good the plan to demolish it was blocked.”
Christine Leader questions the original plan: “Omg we don’t need anymore offices, we have enough offices standing empty as it is. Bring back the bingo hall.”
Sarah Preston writes: “Good. I hope they can find a use for it rather than let it continue to decay.”
Simone Sonsino adds: “Totally agree. Over 35 yrs I’ve lived in central Cambridge and I love this building. It can be converted – it doesn’t need demolition. The council needs to decide what’s best for the heritage of this building and stick with it.”
In one sentence, tell us in the comments below what should be done with the Hobson Street cinema.
