Ealing Film Quarter
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The Challenge
Ealing is the birthplace of the London film industry and once had 6 cinemas serving the town centre. The last of these cinemas closed in 2008.
C&W, as development advisers to Ealing Borough Council, were tasked with securing a comprehensive development on the Former Empire Cinema site, incorporating a multiplex cinema to improve and complement the retail offer in the town centre.
There were previously a number of proposals to develop the site for a modern multiplex offering, with planning permission granted for such in 2004, 2008 and 2010. However, following demolition, works never progressed past March 2009.
The Solution
C&W were appointed to advise the Council on the policy, CPO, development options and marketing strategy of the site in order to facilitate a scheme coming forward which would revive the area.
C&W brought the opportunity to market at the end of 2012, intending to end years of frustration surrounding proposed developments on the site.
The Results
Following a comprehensive and widespread marketing process, C&W attracted interest from a number of prominent developers. Following detailed analysis of bids from each individual party, we subsequently advised the Council on the selection of Land Securities as the preferred Development Partner and contracts were exchanged in September 2013. The outline planning application for the £100M redevelopment was granted consent in December 2013.
The new 15,800 sq m entertainment and leisure ‘Film Quarter’ scheme will create approximately 350 jobs and include a multi screen cinema, units for shops and restaurants, an outdoor screen, up to 161 new homes and a flexible performance area.