'Let's knock down the Apollo'
A NEW masterplan for Paignton suggests bulldozing the Apollo Cinema.
The aim would be to re-open sea views from Torbay Road which were cut off when the former Festival Theatre was built in the 1960s.
-
The cinema would be relocated elsewhere in the town.
A new planning brief, taking a fresh look at sites as far apart as the harbour and Crossways, will go before councillors for the first time at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
It is designed to ease the path of regeneration proposals including in the Mayoral Vision and Community Plan to revitalise Paignton as 'a town of high quality developments within a strong green setting and good linkages to the centre, sea and harbour'.
The report to cabinet says the pedestrianisation of Torbay Road could be investigated together with restoration of the view out to sea and the creation of iconic public art.
It goes on: "This could establish Torbay Road as an important area for strolling, eating, shopping and bustle. While on a smaller scale than Barcelona, there would be potential to create a 'Las Ramblas' feel to the area," says the report referring to a popular tourist area in the Spanish city.
Redevelopment of the cinema site has already been raised in the Mayoral Vision, and it is also acknowledged that the historic Torbay Cinema should be protected and used.
A spokesman for Apollo Cinemas said they were unable to comment on the proposal at this stage.
The report says Paignton has suffered from both the recession and the impact of out-of-town shopping.
The brief aims to boost the town's prosperity by providing facilities such as shopping, leisure and new homes within the town centre and 'knitting together' development opportunities.
The report says it aims to 'create a vibrant town centre which generates pride and engagement, a new public realm with amenities that match the Bay's world class natural beauty, whilst promoting pleasure, wholesome holiday fun and all year round entertainment'.
One of the visions is to re-establish the formerly distinctive grid pattern, improving existing green space and creating plazas and parks as places to stroll, shop, eat outside and hold markets and other events.
There has been public consultation on the proposals through a targeted email to organisations and individuals with an interest in Paignton, including the community partnerships, which went out in January.
There was also a front page item on the council website and on its consultation website.
A council spokesman said there was not a full statutory planning consultation, as the brief looks at implementing policies in the current Torbay Local Plan.
There will be a full public consultation when more detailed proposals come forward, through the new Local Development Framework, in the autumn.
77 Comments
View all
by Doris, Paignton
Friday, March 26 2010, 1:36PM
“The cinema is an eyesore. But is could be rebuilt when they knock down Crossways which is an evewn bigger eyesore. There is nothing nice to look at in Paignton at all except the seafront and green, ergo this vision is correct. I am amazed and disappointed that fellow Paignton residents are so short sighted in theri reactions to this plan. The whole town is in serious need of redevelopment and regeneration - this means even more companies like those providing jobs and fabulous leisure activities at The Flagship, Wacky Warehouse and the Apollo will be attracted to the town.
The Bay needs these companies who have financial backing and knowledge and the facilities to drive more people to use the Bay - the reason we are in the mess we are in is because not enough has been done to attract these businesses!Look at Plymouth and Exeter - new developments, new redevelopment (Exeter Quays, Barbican Plymouth, Drakes Circus and Princesshay - where was Torbay in all of that?5plus years behind.
Come on ,Paignton People - move onward and upward - nobody is taking your cinema away - they are giving you a new one and lots more better places too!”
by Rob Arthur, Apollo Cinemas
Saturday, March 20 2010, 8:49AM
“I've been reading all of the feedback and comments which are really helpful. Thank you.
Apollo have recently signed a deal with Sony Technology to install their digital 4k projectors in all screens. These are the most advanced cinema projectors available.
In addition, the cinema will have five 3D enabled screens (more than any other UK cinema). This work is due to be completed in time for the Easter holiday break and is part of a long term commitment to invest in this cinema.
We will also be installing a satellite receiver prior to summer to ensure that when live and 3D live events take place e.g. opera, football and music we will be hosting them at this cinema.
The £2 million earmarked for the Apollo in Paignton is the biggest single investment that Apollo has ever undertook and is the start of further enhancements.
Apollo have a long term committment to the Torbay area and we will keep you up to date with any developments that take place.”
by Stan, Torbay
Thursday, March 18 2010, 9:42PM
“Yep I'm all in favour of us all doing our bit but the council must also carry out their responsibilities., paint/repair the railings, mend the crumbling concrete etc.
Someone must be responsible for under the Shoreline and the "tunnel" under the pier. All in need of urgent attention.”
by Shaun, Torquay
Thursday, March 18 2010, 9:42PM
“I can see the general opinion on the whole plan is very negative so will the councilors listen? I hope so or there will be a lot of angry people to deal with aswell as the repercussions of a mistake that they will surely regret. I don't mean to be rude but there's is no advantage to seeing the sea from the trainstation, how much money will they generate? None I'm guessing. I don't mean to be rude but I think we should stop becoming victims of old people's pointless gripes which are nothing but trouble. Things such as this should be presented for opposition from the rest of the public before they start making plans for it. I certainly don't want to see the establishment to go for a minorities pointless gripe, if they want to see the see they should move closer to it or move away from Paignton.”
by Woodpecker, Paignton
Thursday, March 18 2010, 7:21PM
“What about a residents grotbuster team wth volunteers to do some grot busting? Everyone could do something. Be constructive thats all it takes.”