Ealing cinema moves a step closer after eight year wait

Film fans today told of their excitement as plans to build a cinema in Ealing moved a step closer after a date was agreed to start building work - following an eight-year wait.

The west London district has not had a cinema showing the latest blockbusters since a former Empire Cinema in Ealing Broadway shut in 2008.

Work to reopen the cinema has been hit by a series of delays including a change in ownership of the development site.

But a long-awaited breakthrough came this week when council bosses and developers agreed a date to start building work.

Ealing Council leader Julian Bell said construction is due to start in December following talks with current owners St George.

Last year, planning permission was granted for an eight-screen, 1,000-seat cinema to be operated by Picturehouse as part of the major Ealing Filmworks redevelopment which includes homes, shops and restaurants.

Cllr Bell branded it a “disgrace” that Ealing had no cinema despite its rich heritage within the film industry.

The district is famous for housing the world’s operating film studios, known as Ealing Studios, where a series of classic films were produced post Second World War.

Recent films shot at the Ealing Green studios include hits Notting Hill, Shaun of the Dead and The Imitation Game.

Cllr Bell told the Standard: “The people of Ealing had waited long enough. For the past eight years they have been looking at a building site.

“We are really delighted we are finally getting some progress. The feedback I have had so far has been really positive – everyone is fed up waiting.

“Of all the places Ealing should have a cinema. To have the longest operating film studios in the world and not have a cinema is a disgrace.”

Residents told the Standard excitement has begun to build at the prospect of walking to the local cinema instead of watching releases at nearby Wembley.