Residents unsatisfied with latest plans to redevelop Hoxton Cinema

Hoxton residents expressed their concerns over the proposed cinema redevelopment on Pitfield Street yesterday. Evening noise, an influx of visitors and an invasion of privacy were three of the main concerns raised by the cinema’s neighbours.

Architects, Parritt Leng have proposed a three screen cinema with 19 residential flats built on top, including two glass penthouse suites. The project will restore the cinema’s original façade.

The latest discussions in the drawn out affair happened at an open meeting hosted by Parritt Leng at the dilapidated cinema site as efforts continue to involve the residents in the consultation process.

The designs have met the approval of an independent heritage specialist.

Home owners on neighbouring Haberdasher Street and Buttersland Street have consistently opposed attempts to regenerate the old cinema. Parritt Leng say the majority of the community support the £5 million project.

Buttersland Street resident, Sheila Cohen, said: “I am horrified to find out they will do late night showings. We won’t be able to open our windows in the summer for the noise of people coming and going. This is not the right place to have a night time venture.”

She added: “I will probably go to it (the cinema) if I have to put up with the hell.”

Mr Parritt of Parritt Leng, who own the site, defended his companies’ plans, saying: “This is a not-profit-led project that focuses on regeneration, restoration and employment. If we don’t do something now we will have a piece of history that is completely lost.”

“This site is not legally protected meaning it could be turned into anything. We were the only developers willing to maintain the original use and are working closely with residents to find solutions to their concerns. We view this as a signature project that gives something back to the area.”

86-year-old Ivy Gynem, who describes herself as “a true Hoxtinite”, said: “I remember the original cinema and I am really pleased it is getting restored to its former glory.”

Vivienne Jones, 20, lives above The George and Vulture pub on the corner of Pitfield Street and Haberdasher Street and is unfazed by the estimated 18 months of building work. She said: “It’s got to be better to look at than it does now. This project looks really exciting.”

Parritt Leng hope to gain planning permission by March.

Angela and the beanstalk

Hoxton ladies’ three bean plants grows into a community project.


“It will just cause a big mess…you will never be able to sustain it… it will attract foxes and rats…” These are just some of the complaints you are likely to hear if you start up your own community kitchen garden. 

But it only takes a bit of perseverance, optimism and rationality and your seeds could soon grow into your very own beanstalk.

“When I proposed the idea to the residents’ association one lady came to me and said she had 45 people who opposed the plans. But I visited them and it was clear they would object to the question “do you want mess and foxes in the neighbourhood”, anyone would. It only took a bit of explanation to bring them round,” explained Angela Large, the founder of Crondall Court estate community kitchen garden in Hoxton.

For Angela the initial scepticism was a minor challenge to overcome for the pleasure of growing and eating her own produce. “I come home from work, decide I want salad for dinner, pick it and serve it, all within an hour.”

“I grew enough salad over the summer to not have to buy any. I don’t know how much money I save but that’s not the point. When I pull a carrot out of the ground I’m dying to show someone what I’ve just grown.”

When Angela grew three bean plants in 2009 a seed had been planted. “I would quite like to do more of this,” she thought to herself. Despite initial scepticism from her neighbours, she secured a £1,000 grant from Capital Growth, Boris Johnson’s sustainable food initiative and, with help from councillors Carole Williams and Philip Glanville, pressed forward with the project.

There are now 13 beds in the allotment, each owned by around 20 local residents, couples or families who pay £2 a month for maintenance. The group host three social events per year and community spirit is thriving.

“At the beginning one lady threatened to set fire to anything we grew near her flat. Three months ago she knocked on my door and asked for some compost. I was so shocked I couldn’t bring myself to ask her for any money.”

“When I presented the idea to the residents’ meeting they told me I was wasting my time. They’ve seen middle class people like me move onto the estate, think they can solve all their problems and leave again.”

“Now residents are always peering in, complimenting us on our garden and chatting to us. There’s been a real softening in the community,” Angela said.

And now it is something for the community to take pride in. “All the previous opposition made us think it has to be lovely and appropriate.” The proof is in the eating.