REVEALED: JESUS ARMY'S VISION OF FORMER CINEMA

GIANT RED-CROSS WILL BE CENTREPIECE AS SECT'S WORSHIP CENTRE GETS THE GO-AHEAD

Source : 16/02/2001 Northampton Chronicle and Echo

These are the first pictures showing the Jesus Army's plans for its conversion of the former Cannon Cinema in Northampton town centre.

The sect this week received listed building consent to create a worship, social and care centre in the art deco Abington Square building, which has been empty for six years.

The consent, granted by Northampton Borough Council's development control sub-committee, was the final hurdle for the Jesus Army in its plans.

The artists impressions reveal that the centrepiece of the facade will be a giant red cross, the symbol of the Jesus Fellowship Church.

Above the entrance, also in red, will be the name Jesus Centre.

A second drawing shows the vision for a cafe inside the building.

Director of communications, John Campbell, said: 'We are now waiting for tenders from selected building contractors. Work should start by June and be finished within six to nine months.'

'Our intention is to offer a valuable service to many people in Northampton. We are expecting this to become an attractive venue that will enhance this part of town.'

The art deco cinema building is one of the few remaining examples of work by the prolific architect William R Glen and is a grade two listed building.

The Jesus Army, which has its headquarters in Nether Heyford, announced in May 1999 it wanted to buy the cinema, which showed its last film in April 1995.

Plans for change of use were initially turned down by Northampton Borough Council, but the decision was overturned by a Government planning inspector in January last year.