ARMY PLEDGES TO LEAVE CINEMA INTERIOR INTACT

FORMER CANNON ARCHITECTURE TO STAY WHEN IT BECOMES PRAYER CENTRE

Source : 12/02/2001 Northampton Chronicle and Echo

The original interior of the former Cannon cinema in Northampton will remain intact when the 1930s building becomes a prayer centre, the Jesus Army has pledged.

The religious sect has owned the building for more than a year after winning a long battle to convert the art-deco style building into a place of worship for its followers.

Planning permission has been granted and, in a report to go before Northampton Borough Council's development control committee on Wednesday, the group is applying for listed building consent.

Changes to the grade two listed building will be minimal, with both English Heritage and the Cinema Theatre Association keen for the existing architecture to be retained.

Rita Bovey, principal planning officer for the borough council says in the report: 'The existing projection room and associated equipment will be retained in situ. Some seating however will be removed.'

'A baptistery will be provided in the existing organ pit. The organ platform and raising mechanisms will be retained. The existing suspended ceiling at the entrance lobby will be removed to reveal the vaulted ceiling. The surface yard to the side of the building will be resurfaced.'

Work on the building, which will include meeting and dining areas, treatment areas, offices, computer rooms, kitchen and laundry, could begin in the summer if the listed building application is approved.

The Cinema Theatre Association has suggested that the original colour scheme should be restored in the auditorium.

Once the Jesus Army has listed building consent, architects will put the contract out to tender.

The sect said earlier this month that, subject to planning permission, work could begin in June.