The ‘Picture Palace Campaign’ promotional poster

Many residents have contacted us about the use of the old Gala Bingo building in Church Road.

Though this application is not in our borough it does affect Lambeth residents who use the Triangle, and who want family-oriented venues to revitalise the area.  Having looked at the issue closely, we believe the area would be best served if the building retained its ‘D2′ status, and ideally is then used as a cinema.

A cinema would be more likely to generate direct and indirect employment and thereby revitalise the Triangle area.  Also, the cinema-goers would arrive and leave at staggered times, whereas a church would attract people en masse at the same time.  We have been told directly by a cinema chain that they would buy the site if the KICC Church failed to win change of use and wished to sell.

We have no grudge against the Church and hope it can find a suitable location for its worshippers.

Cllr Andrew Gibson has attended meetings for the residents’ action group – the Picture Palace Campaign – and offered support from Gipsy Hill councillors and the Lambeth Conservative Group.  Specifically, we have advised the residents to stay focused on issues that relate to planning law, as this is what will determine Bromley’s Planning Committee decision when a formal application for change-of-use is made.

When an application is made, all official representations by residents should be made to Bromley Council, as the campaign group is aware.

The residents’ action group is doing great work and we will do what we can to support them to ensure that an opportunity to improve the area will not be missed.