George Coles designed this fabulous Egyptian Temple which was constructed in North London in 1930. It is the Grade II Listed former Carlton Cinema in Islington. In recent years it has been a bingo hall but was closed in March 2007.
In May 2007, the Islington Gazette reported that the interior had been trashed by hundreds of ravers who partied "like wild animals" during a 24-hour bender of drink, dance music and destruction.
Last month, theIslington Gazette again reported on the fate of the former Carlton cinema.
Newly-founded evangelical church Resurrection Manifestations wants to restore the 2,300-capacity building as a conference centre, cinema and community venue.
The church bought the building in 2007 and will build a contemporary seven-storey block of 44 flats at the back of the site to help pay for the work. Representatives of the church are quoted as wanting to return the building to its former glory.
This looks like a great compromise and plans for the redevelopment are due before Islington Council in December 2009.
A beautiful and unusual building, I've not seen one like this before. Such a shame that those "ravers" vandalised it.
ReplyDeleteIt's great if the church can revamp the building, while retaining the historical features and beauty of it.
Dugg!
Elizabeth9
Thanks Elizabeth9
ReplyDeleteYes I hope the next few years for this fabulous building are better than the last few.
A real gem of a facade. Egyptian revival is a great style when done well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sean. I think it was Egyptian revivial that got me interested in Art Deco in the first place.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteCan I know where did u get the info of what grade the building is listed at? Hope you could help. Thanks
Hi Eileen,
ReplyDeleteI probably took the listing from this article in the Islington Gazette from Sept 2009 and looking at the article again now, looks like I got it wrong because the article has it as Grade II* Listed.
David
Thank you very much David.
ReplyDeleteCheers.
Eileen