Plans to demolish a historic cinema in Mapperley to make way for 26 new flats have been submitted to Nottingham City Council for approval.
The landmark Majestic Cinema building on Woodborough Road is currently home to the Haunted Museum and also Old Picture House, which now shows classic movies.
The cinema was originally built in 1929 and was designed by prolific Nottingham cinema architect Alfred Thraves, who was considered as one of the country’s best.
Local historian and writer Bob Massey is now calling for the building in Mapperley to be saved and also listed so that it’s rich history isn’t lost forever.
Mr Massey told Gedling Eye: “ This is a very important building and of great historical significance in the area. The building should be retained.
“The present tenants are doing a very good job keeping the building running including maintaining its original decor and plaster work . They are now showing films again in this historic building. It deserves listed status and it is a surprise that it was not granted this position many years ago.
“It would be a huge loss to the area and Mapperley’s history if this building was demolished. Few cinema buildings as good as this in their original form still exist and even fewer in as good a condition .There are even less still in existence designed by Alfred Thraves. If this building goes, it and its history will be lost forever.
He added: “Heritage is very important to the understanding of future generations and this building, far more than many other is very important and must be preserved
You can view the plans online at Nottingham City Council’s website here: http://publicaccess.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=P4YQSRLYMI800
Those wishing to comment on the application can also email development.management@nottinghamcity.gov.uk and use ‘Re: Planning Application 18/00438/PFUL3’ in the subject heading.
I’m about to make a comment on the planning application, which you can access via the link in the article, expressing my opinion that we cannot afford to keep losing local heritage like this, and suggest that alternative uses could be found for this property, or at least a sympathetic conversion could be made which preserves the historic building….
how Many more locations are going to be put at risk and lost because some one wants to line there pockets, there are plenty of derelict place for you to build on, this location has a lot of history and a lot of people enjoy visiting this place. I strongly oppose to the demolishing of this location. Please not another historical site .
It’s disgusting they are considering knocking down a thriving business, I lodge my complaint
This is terrible. This is an important building and of real local interest. It’s been given new life over the last year. I hope the demolition does not go ahead.