Church loses bid to turn Hitchcock cinema into place of worship

Hundreds of supporters and opponents of the bid turned up at the Assembly Hall in Walthamstow to hear the council’s decision last night.

Feelings had been running high over the future of the grade-II listed building that was once home to an EMD cinema where movie director Alfred Hitchcock watched films as a child. The building has also been the venue for concerts by The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.

The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) bought the building in 2003 but has been unable to use it for services as it as the council has never granted permission to convert it into a church.

Opponents are keen to see the building restored to its former glory. The Waltham Forest Cinema Trust has just been set up to raise £9 million to buy and renovate the building.

At the meeting last night, councillors unanimously rejected the church’s application over concerns that it would compromise the building’s special historic interest and have a negative impact on the local economy.

Bill Hodgson, who campaigned against the church’s application, welcomed the decision.

He told the BBC: “The EMD cinema is probably the most loved building in the area and the outpouring of public support for it has been overwhelming.

“It is an architectural gem and the last substantial entertainment left in this part of London.”

UCKG pastor Paul Hill said the decision was “expected”.

“We will never be able to appease those who are opposed to our plans,” he said.

UCKG is planning to appeal the decision.