A planning application has been lodged to demolish an Art Deco former cinema in the centre of Cambridge and replace it with offices and shops.
The building at 21 Hobson Street used to be the central Cinema but has been vacant since 2009. The planning application to demolish the building was validated on April 25.
Campaigners had hoped to save the decorative 1930s facade of the building which has been recognised as being of historic interest.
But developers say keeping the facade would make the project less viable.
One objector to the application said: “This is an Art Deco building. In it’s prime it would have been magnificent and with care and attention could be again. At the very least, the developer should be required to retain the Hobson Street façade.”
Another lamented: “Cambridge city centre is being ripped apart with little regard for conservation of the historic heritage of the city. There must be a way which is sustainable and protects the architectural heritage without just demolishing old buildings because they are seen to have served their purpose. Demolition runs contrary to the net zero carbon policy of the council.”
Number 21 Hobson Street is the former Gala Bingo hall, originally built in the 1930s as the Central Cinema. The cinema closed in 1972 and operated as a bingo hall until 2009 but has been unoccupied since. The former Gala Bingo hall was let to a leisure company, which never took occupation following the refusal of a late-night licence for a live music venue.
It backs onto numbers 16-17 and 18-19 Sidney Street, which currently house Itsu and Urban Outfitters. None of the sites has been the subject of any significant planning applications in recent years.
The plans would see the site redeveloped as an office, retail and community space.
An assessment of options for developing the Hobson Street cinema sit found that keeping the facade would result in reduced office space, possibly lower light levels and a higher build cost. So, this option was rejected by developers.
A heritage Impact statement submitted by the developers Donald Insall Associates as part of the planning application says of the former cinema: “Most of its heritage interest lies in the architectural expression of the main façade, the interior has been subject to much change. There is also some historic interest in the novel building type for dedicated leisure use and would have communal value.”
It concludes that the proposed development would cause a “high level of harm” to 21 Hobson Street, which is a “non designated heritage asset of low significance”.
However, the proposed development would have “a positive impact” on the Conservation Area, the assessment finds.
