30 years on there is another example in the same street.
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| how it is |
One of the finest examples of Art Deco cinema architecture instead of being a source of civic pride has become a rotting monument to developer greed-aided and abetted by a council in thrall to the likes of the Ritblat family.
Celebrated American author, TD Allman, on passing the Odeon observed..' a city that fails to cherish and preserve its cultural edifices is doomed to mediocrity'
If a resident allowed a Conservation Area property to dilapidate in this way he would face prosecution.
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| how it was |
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| Smashed to pieces |
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| the sweeping marble staircase |
The developers would love us to forget the beauty of the exterior and interior. Fortunately, Guy Oliver who fought so hard to save the cinema is like a terrier with a bone and will not give up easily.
Cllr Taylor-Smith....Do something NOW
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| Oliver |
The courage of a few; thank you Dame, thank you Guy Oliver
ReplyDeleteThe Sack of Kensington -
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine Paris allowing the degradation of such a wonderful building
ReplyDeleteThe wrecked Odeon is a very visible evidence of the failure of planning and Leadership in Hornton Street and the stubborn and sustained suppression of opposition from residents who warned about the folly of this development in pursuit of profit and the expense of all else.
ReplyDeleteThe eyesore will not go away and should become a symbol for campaigners who continue to attack the shortsightedness of our elected representatives and their closeness to the property developers.
Kensington is living through a shameful period of failure in the protection of heritage and the public realm. There is a Planning Director who seems to be out of control, developers who have taken over Hornton Street, and Councillors too spineless to put a stop to it.
Until the Leader takes an interest and decides to change the tone, nothing will change. Unfortunately dizzy is not up for it, up to it or equipped to cope. It is way over her head and ability.