It's heartbreaking to hear such a beautiful, important historical building and centre of entertainment is being lost to the local community. fully support the campaign to keep it open and provide film, music and the arts for generations to come.
- Sir Mick Jagger

Help us build the case for the Cinema 06.04.12

The next stage of the appeal is an inquiry in June where the Waltham Forest Cinema Trust will present an alternative plan for restoring the venue as a cinema and entertainment venue. We want the decision makers to know these plans have the backing of local businesses who could greatly benefit as a result.

We need your help to ask shops and businesses in Hoe Street, High Street and the wider E17 area to back the Trust's plans by giving us a short statement of support. Each one who does will be invited to display a 'Local business supports the Trust' window sticker.

Statement of support forms can be downloaded here. The stickers will be available next week and we will arrange local pick-up points. Watch this space for details. If you are able to help, please email hello@savewalthamstowcinema.org. Thanks!

Trust announces partnership with Soho Theatre 23.02.12

A restored and revived cinema came a step closer this week.

Waltham Forest Cinema Trust this week announced a partnership with Soho Theatre, a central London venue that has gone from strength to strength since receiving lottery funding in 2000. The Trust has also put together a consultancy team that includes Ian Ritchie architects and five leading arts producers with a vast range of experience across the arts and leisure industries. Together they will develop a detailed business plan in support of the Trust's aim to ultimately bring the building back into use a a multi-purpose entertainment centre.

Mark Godfrey, executive director of Soho Theatre and board member of the Trust, said: "I am delighted that we are working with such a high calibre of professionals on this project, it confirms the strength of our vision for the building and viability of our business plan." Soho Theatre is providing practical support and guidance both on fundraising and on how live performance could form part of the re-opened cinema's entertainment bill.

UCKG Grounds for appeal are published 31.01.12

The church claims that their inclusion of some D2 (Entertainment) use, i.e. a hall for hire, was not sufficiently considered. They claim to have a record of improvement and care of historic buildings, and that fears about parking problems and congestion are unfounded. The full text is here. Don't forget the deadline for sending your own comments is 21st. February. More information on our Appeal page.

How to comment on the Appeal 23.01.12

Take a look at our dedicated Appeal page. The Planning Inspectorate is reviewing the council's decision and has the power to overturn it. We need to let them know the cinema is a local landmark, a huge part of our local heritage, and that we care about it. The deadline for sending comments is 21st. February.

UCKG apppeal confirmed 09.01.12

The appeal against the council's 18 May decision has been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate and an inquiry will be announced in due course. Meanwhile the deadline for interested party comments is 21st. February.

We encourage all our supporters to submit their views on why they oppose plans to turn the EMD cinema into a church. When the council unanaimously rejected the planning application on 18 May 2011, hundreds of supporters thronged the town hall, too many to get inside. Our 18 May decision page has videos and comments from the day and the main reasons we oppose the plans are listed here. Remind them that the e-petition on the Waltham Forest council asking the council to reject the planning application gathered 2266 signatures.

To submit a comment, go to the case details and click "Comment on this case" at the foot of the page. There are two linked planning applications - one relating to listed building consent and the other relating to the proposed development itself. You can comment on either. If you would like to speak at the Appeal you should note that in your comments.

Happy New year to all our supporters! 04.01.12

Here's hoping 2012 will see the EMD at last restored as a public entertainment venue!

Still no news on planning appeal 04.01.12

Following the 18th. May planning rejection, the owners had 6 months to appeal. However November 18th. came and went with no clear indication as to whether an appeal had been lodged. According to the Waltham Forest Guardian, "a row between the council and the UCKG over the format of the appeal is behind the delay in making the appeal public". The UCKG apparently favour written submissions while the council wants a full public inquiry. If and when an appeal is finally announced, the time available for the public to make submissions will start from the date of the announcement. Watch this space!

This photo, taken in December 2011, appears to show further disrepair, not to mention a cavalier attitude towards the safety of pedestrians. The scaffold has been in place since November 2010 when a piece of render fell from the facade, prompting the council to request repairs.

EMD 'currently watertight' 19.09.11

Although its facade has been hidden by tarpaulin and scaffold for almost a year, the EMD is still apparently in good condition. On 24th. August a joint inspection was carried out by English Heritage and the council's conservation officer to ensure that the requested maintenance had been carried out. Their report says the roof is currently watertight and that the water systems have been turned off and drained.

In February this year shocking video footage appeared showing internal water damage and, following concern from local people, English Heritage have begun to play a more active role in safeguarding the Grade II* listed building. The scaffold was erected in November 2010 after a piece of render fell from the front of the building.

Trust and council to co-fund study on EMD future 08.09.11

Waltham Forest Cinema Trust have announced a study on the future of the EMD/Granada which will produce a feasibility study and business case to support further developments.

The Trust and council will each contribute £15k to the study. Announcing the study on 1st. September council leader Chris Robbins acknowledged the grass roots support for restoring the building as a cultural venue adding "I believe the Trust have the knowledge and expertise to make this work and I'm therefore happy to do what I can to bring their plans one small step closer to reality."

Neil Gerrard, chair of the Trust said "The many discussions we've had with cinema operators, industry consultants and others convince us that a reborn cinema would be entirely viable"

Although the building is still owned by the UCKG, Cllr. Robbins said "I hope that the UCKG will seriously consider the Trust's offer and that this long-vacant site can soon be brought back into use for the benefit of the local community."

Art Trail blogspot 08.09.11

Read all about weekend one here and join us for the second and final weekend at Daisy's cafe, Hoe St.

Art Trail opens this weekend! 31.08.11

Whatever you visit in the Art Trail's extravaganza of local culture, don't miss the People's History of the cinema - a captivating compilation of eight decades of memories. Meet the couple who had their first date there, glimpse the life of a schoolgirl usherette and feel the fear of sheltering in the cinema while air raid sirens sounded. Relive seeing the Beatles live onstage, the Small Faces being mobbbed, and meet local legend, Uncle Ernie, the doorman. "When my father was in his late teens, he held the crowds back while the Beatles played on the stage at the Cinema. How about that for history?" 3/4th Sept. The Mill, Coppermill Lane 10/11th Sept. Daisy's, Hoe St.

The People's History at the E17 Art Trail 05.08.11

Look out for the People's History of the EMD/Granada Cinema at this year's E17 Art Trail. For ten days, E17 artists of Waltham Forest get together to show their work to a wider audience. Now in its 7th year, with over 1200 artists are involved, the trail runs from 2nd to 11th September. The People's History entry draws together the memories local people have of the venue in its heyday, featuring the Small Faces, the Stones, Ernie the doorman, first Bond movie, first romance and much more. You can catch it at The Mill on Coppermill Lane on the 3rd and 4th September, and at Daisy's in Hoe St the following weekend. On the site you can add items to your diary and look out for the Art Trail mobile app!

Arcade site development 20.07.11

Just one week left to send your feedback on this. The council is proposing a mixed use development on this site that includes some housing, some shops and a multiplex. Yes, a cinema! How would this work with a revived EMD? There is a point of view that suggests two cinemas in close proximity can work together to build audiences (as in Islington). On the other hand a multiplex could undermine the viability of a revived EMD in the future - or vice versa! Whatever your views, send comments through the website, or download and return the questionnaire. The consultation period ends 1st August.

Magic Memories wanted 25.06.11

Please help us find people who visited the Granada/EMD cinema during its heyday. We have the memories of someone who saw the Small Faces there, and another who remembers Ernie. It would be great to find someone who saw the Beatles there! If you'd like to help the People's History of the Cinema, please download and distribute one the flyers.

A People's History of the Cinema 09.06.11

A fantastic new project has begun that will gather and preserve the innumerable stories and memories that people, especially local people, have of the building. Whether it was then the EMD, the Granada or the ABC, the Storytelling project seeks written or recorded voxpops of your opinions and personal anecdotes, as well as photos, music and drawings. If you have special memories of childhood matinees, first dates, first kiss(!), wild nights at concerts or just a warm feeling about the place, please get in touch.

Your stories and pictures can be emailed to storytelling@savewalthamstowcinema.org or sent by post to Save Walthamstow Cinema, 39-41 High St, London E17 7AD.

For more details about the project see the SWC Facebook page. Regular updates will also be posted on Twitter.

Decision day archive 26.05.11

The new May 18 decision page showcases some of the fantastic videos, photos, blogs and news reports that have been posted.

Please send links to things you'd like to see included to hello@savewalthamstowcinema.org. You can also send photos directly.

Church proposals unanimously rejected! 19.05.11

In a landmark decision the planning committee yesterday voted 7 - 0 to reject the UCKG's plans to turn the cinema into a church. This is the best possible outcome for the task of restoring the cinema to the community.

The campaign wants to thank the council for recognising the importance of the building as a hub for regeneration, entertainment and a night-time economy in the area. Thanks also to everyone who added their voice to the campaign and demonstrated the importance of the building to the local community.

Lots of comment, debate and eyewitness accounts of this unforgettable evening are on the SWC Facebook page and Twitter.

At least 250 cinema supporters were unable to get into the hearing and stayed outside. Several buses had brought UCKG supporters to the event hours earlier reducing the space available. The supporters remained outside chanting, and were joined by bagpipe players. Their presence could be heard throughout the planning meeting.

Report from Waltham Forest Guardian

The Scoop - News and views from City Hall to Town Hall

WF council recommends refusal of planning application 14.05.11

This week the campaign heard the most promising news in years! Waltham Forest council has recommended that the current owners planning application be refused.

But it's too soon to break open the bubbly! The ultimate decision rests with the seven councillors who will sit on the 18th. May planning committee. In the coming week, we need to make every effort to contact these individuals and make our views known! You can find their emails and phone numbers on the SWC Facebook page.

The council lists several reasons why it doesn't want the current owners to turn the cinema into a church and they can be summarised as follows:

• loss of a strategically important town centre space which should be central to the evening economy
• not enough culture/leisure use within the plans
• the plans don't demonstrate that cinema is no longer a viable use for the building
• the change of use is not compatible with the buildings historic value
• there was no agreed plan on keeping noise down
• there would be parking problems

New Trust aims to secure cinema's future 04.05.11

After many months of behind the scenes planning, a new organisation aimed at securing a future for the EMD/Granada is launched today. The Waltham Forest Cinema Trust has been formed with the aim of purchasing, restoring and re-opening the cinema.

Artist's impression by Paul Lindt of what the restored Cinema might look like.

The Trust is ready to open negotiations with the current owners, the UCKG, and as a not-for-profit organisation is eligible for grant funding to help with the restoration work that will be needed. Supporters will recall that English Heritage has already expressed interest to MP Stella Creasy in supporting such a project. The launch of the Trust is an exciting new phase in the campaign to restore the cinema as an entertainment venue for the whole community. The Trust's business model indicates the venue could be financially sustainable once restoration is complete. It is in discussion with Curzon Cinemas, Phil McIntyre Entertainments and local restaurant Eat 17, who have all expressed interest in being part of the new business venture.

Neil Gerrard is chair of the new Trust.

The chair of the Trust is Neil Gerrard, retired Labour MP, who served the borough from 1992 - 2010. The other directors are Mark Godfrey, Exec. Director of the Soho Theatre, Roxana Silbert, Assoc. Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, entrepreneur and film producer Toby Stone and Bill Hodgson of the McGuffin Film Society. This development should be of great interest to the Planning Committee when it meets 18th. May because there is now more than one organisation that can offer a development strategy for this much loved, unique but imperilled listed building. The Trust has been in discussions with the council. Meanwhile we still need your support on the 18th May when the Planning Committiee seals the fate of the EMD! Download the Trust's press release here.

Preparations for 18th May. 04.05.11

Publicise it!

You can download and print this flyer, or make your own. Printed copies will be available from Friday. If you can help with distribution, please get in touch at hello@savewalthamstowcinema.org.

Come as a movie star! 21.04.11

The Planning Committee decides the fate of the cinema on 18th May. On the big night, come as an iconic film character or movie star - superhero, anti-hero, villain, vamp, legend, cuddly alien, cartoon creature - all welcome.

Talk to the Plannning Committee! 21.04.11

If you live in the borough of Waltham Forest, or would come into the borough to use a revived cinema, if you prefer a cinema with character to a multiplex miniscreen clone, now is the time to tell the Planning Committee your views.

It's crucial the decision makers are in no doubt about the reasons behind the strong support for reviving the EMD as they consider the plans of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God on the 18th May.

Please either phone, fax or email your councillors or better still, go and tell them in person. We've put together a list of Planning Committee members, and when they hold public-facing sessions (surgeries), which you can download here.

Bear in mind councillors who are on the planning committee can't express their opinions about the cinema but they DEFINITELY need to hear yours!

Provisional planning date set 12.04.11

Waltham Forest council has announced a provisional date of 18th. May for the hearing of the UCKG planning application.

Please pencil the date in your diaries so that we can have a massive show of public support. It will be a public hearing held in the evening. Watch this space for confirmation.

The UCKG's first planning permission in 2003 was rejected. Following an appeal and public inquiry the decision went to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, which backed the council’s original decision. This latest application is their response to the objections raised then. The planning committee will consider comments from residents and local businesses, as well as the petition, which closed last month at over 2000 signatures. Meanwhile it's not too late to contact local councillors, as their role is to convey our concerns to the decision making bodies.

Times questions UCKG charity status 02.04.11

In the Money section of Saturday's Times Mark Bridges reports that the EMDês owner, the United Church of the Kingdom of God, has received £8m from the taxpayer since 2003 by way of Gift Aid. Most of the Church's income has been used to build a property portfolio now worth £33m.

The Times found evidence that Churchgoers are encouraged to get into debt in order to donate to the Church and gain earthly prosperity and salvation, although the Church has denied this.

To register as a charity, an organisation has to show it provides a public benefit and the Times questions whether the Church does this, pointing out that in Walthamstow it is having a negative impact by allowing a listed building to fall into disrepair. The Church told the Times it has spent £100,000 in the past year alone on maintenance. In the same section Andrew Ellson talks about why religious charities need more scrutiny.

To comment on these stories go to our Facebook page and if you are or were a member of this Church and want to tell us your side of the story, please email us at hello@savewalthamstowcinema.org.

Thanks to everyone who signed the petition 30.03.11

It closed at 2300. We expect the planning decision to be made within the next month or two. Watch this space for news.

Damage update 09.03.11

A list of urgent works has been established with the UCKG and English Heritage, which are expected to start immediately, and the council will have access to the roofs this week to see if any further repairs are needed. If the owners fail to carry out these works the Council is entitled to serve an Urgent Works Notice, and if necessary carry out the works itself.

Among its many original features, the cinema boasts a natural spring, which left to its own devices courses through the stalls! A pump needs to operate 24/7 to keep this at bay. The flooded interior in Stella's video was the result of the pump having failed. Although it has failed on two occasions to the council's knowledge, there is so far no warning system in place to alert anyone of its failure.

Petition hits 2000! 04.03.11

Thanks to everyone who's signed. Spread the word - let's aim for 5000!

MP for Walthamstow raises protection for listed buildings in Commons 04.03.11

Stella Creasy MP for Walthamstow today asked a question in the House about ways to improve the safeguarding of listed buildings.Watch video clip (fast forward to 41 mins 19sec).

Petition extended another month 01.03.11

Today the council generously offered to extend the petition to 30th March. Currently it is nudging 1900 signatures. If it reaches 5000 the Overview & Scrutiny Management Committee is required to consider it. At 8000 the full council is required to consider it. Thanks to everyone who has signed and spread the word. Flyers and posters can be downloaded below. Please get in touch via the contact page if you want to help.

Click here to sign the petition.

Preventing further damage 01.03.11

The campaign has sent a letter to English Heritage asking them to use their legislative powers to help protect and maintain the building. The full text is on the SWC facebook page.

Cinema interior flooded, shocking pictures of neglect. 24.02.11

On 20th Feb 2011 there was an attempted break-in at the cinema - probably to set up a rave. Police vans blocked the breached gate to prevent anymore people or equipment getting in and both the local MP Stella Creasy, and the leader of the council, Chris Robbins arrived on the scene. More about what happened on the SWC facebook page. Stella took photos and a video which show extensive damage from flooding, with water a foot deep in some places.

The images are shocking, not least because despite the damage, some of the exquisite detailing is still evident, but also because the mould patterns show water damage over many months rather than a sudden flood. Yet in November 2010, when falling render led the council to order repair to the exterior, the conservation officer claimed the building's interior was still in good condition.

It seems the current owners do not appreciate the historic value of their property. Their application to turn it into a church is up for consideration by the council's planning department in the next few months. A council e-petition opposing this is open on the council's website until the 2nd March.

If you want to see this iconic building preserved and restored to serve the whole community, please sign the petition.

The e-petition facility is a new council feature that helps residents make their views known to the council. The cinema petition asks the council to reject the application to turn the EMD/Granada into a church. It was set up in January and gathered 1200 signatures in its first month.