SECT RECIEVES CINEMA SET-BACK IN PUB BID

CANNON'S OWNERS WANT TO CONVERT SITE INTO FOOD AND DRINK OUTLET

Source : 26/01/2000 Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Blueprints to turn the former Cannon Cinema into a pub and restaurant have been lodged at Northampton Borough Council.

It is the latest twist in the listed building's history as the Jesus Fellowship was this month given approval to turn the Abington Street site into a place of worship.

But the building's owner, Times Square Entertainment, has now applied to convert it into a restaurant, which would mean the religious sect's plans could be doomed.

Adrian Lord, a partner for Manchester-based architects Inside Out Design, said: 'These applications would bring the top end of Abington Street to life.'

'It has been a bit of an eyesore and it needs to be brought back into use, for the building's good and for Northampton's.'

Four separate applications have been lodged by times Square: they are:

To convert the ground floor into a bar.

To convert the ground floor and to install a projection screen over the bar.

Convert the ground floor and the first floor foyer as a bar, using the balcony for seating.

Convert the first floor for conference facilities.

The applications have been made in an attempt to woo pub companies to the building.

If only one proposal had been made, prospective developers would be constrained to tight guidelines. If four proposals are approved, they would have the choice how to convert it.

A previous planning application to turn the building into a pub was refused because its protected balcony would have to be ripped out.

This new application would keep the balcony, and it could be used as a feature of the bar.

Mr Lord said: 'The owner believes that the use is the best possible for the building.'

If this application is approved by members of the council's development control sub-committee, it could jeopardise the Jesus Fellowship's plans.