Historic UK cinema to be demolished for new flats

The Point in Milton Keynes opened in 1985 and the first film shown was Rocky IV

The UK's first multiplex cinema will be demolished after developers won an appeal to proceed with previously rejected plans to build flats on the site.

Originally opened in Milton Keynes in 1985, The Point was closed after showing its last film in 2015.

Milton Keynes Council told Galliard Holdings Ltd (GHL) it could not replace the glass pyramid structure, which was once the tallest building in the city, with 487 flats across four buildings up to 21 storeys high.

However, following a planning appeal, inspector Paul Griffiths ruled the proposal can go ahead, including the recladding of an existing multi-storey car park, a bar, sports facilities, and a new cinema on the roof.

The development will include 487 flats

The council had listed seven reasons for refusal, but discussions before and during the inquiry reduced that number to two.

One of the complaints was that the building did not deliver an acceptable level of affordable housing, but the claimant agreed to pay £690,009 towards the provision of affordable housing elsewhere in Milton Keynes.

The two remaining concerns were related to The Point's status as a non-designated heritage asset and the potential effect on the nearby Grade II listed shopping centre.

Although the inspector noted the old cinema had "a special place in the memory of the people of Milton Keynes", he concluded it "has clearly outlived its purpose, and there are no realistic prospects for its effective re-use".

The inspector ruled that any impact on the shopping centre would be minimal.

Discussions took place during the inquiry about how to include a "nod or reference back" to The Point in the new development.

The inspector's view was that retaining physical parts of the existing building would be "all too predictable and indeed tokenistic".

Instead, he preferred a more "subtle and considered response", such as adding red lighting to the top of the buildings to evoke memories of The Point.

In a statement, Galliard Homes said it was delighted with the appeal decision.

It continued: "Our plans will transform this prominent site, which has been vacant for nearly 20 years, into a dynamic mixed-use destination.

"At the heart of the proposals is a commitment to celebrating the legacy of The Point."

Milton Keynes Council has been approached for comment.