Turley has helped Waltham Forest Council secure permission for the ambitious plans to restore Walthamstow’s famous EMD/Granada cinema.

Turley provided expert Planning services for the proposal which was unanimously given the green light at Waltham Forest’s virtual planning committee on 2 June. The proposal includes a 950 seat theatre, bar and restaurant, community space, garden terrace and more.

The £25m investment into the venue’s revival is part of the council’s London Borough of Culture legacy commitment to place culture at the heart of its communities, as well as driving economic, social and environmental benefits to Waltham Forest residents and businesses.

The venue will be managed by Soho Theatre and the programme will be announced towards the end of 2021. They will work in partnership with Waltham Forest Council, who purchased the former cinema on Hoe Street in 2019 following a long campaign to ensure the building remained as an entertainment venue.

David Luff, Soho Theatre’s Creative Director, commented: “Alongside the Council for their incredible support, we’d like to acknowledge and thank the very many local people who campaigned for years for this building to remain as an entertainment venue. We’d like to see that local ownership at the heart of a future programme that involves local schools, community groups and residents from across the borough. At the same time, we want a ‘local theatre with a national profile’. We will bring some of the biggest stars of the comedy world and welcome audiences from London and beyond, as well as producing an annual Walthamstow panto, theatre and performance, screenings and special events.”

The council is working with architects Pilbrow & Partners and developer Willmott Dixon Interiors.

The refurbishment will begin immediately and is expected to complete in Spring 2022.