tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32129243821144797852024-03-13T09:25:04.096-07:00Save the Kilburn State!Join the campaign to return The Kilburn State to its former glory as a vibrant cultural centre in the heart of London. <a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savethekilburnstate/index.html">Sign the petition!</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-63406018548464371572011-07-13T06:35:00.000-07:002011-07-13T06:37:56.588-07:00More information on The State's history<a href="http://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/KilburnTheatres.htm#gaumont">Here's a great resource giving a detailed history of The State</a>, along with Kilburn's many other theatres (who knew?!).<br /><br />Also, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oldcinemaphotos/sets/72157603563961034/with/2143968562/">here's a nice little collection of pictures of The State</a> in the 80s.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-64257128620613283022011-07-13T06:33:00.001-07:002011-07-13T06:34:28.670-07:00Sneak Peak<a href="http://www.sflgroup.co.uk/Articles/254605/SFL/News/News_articles_113/Ruach_Ministries_Gaumont.aspx">Here's a sneak peak into the new State</a>, presumably provided by one of Rauch's suppliers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-4523668240396082362011-07-13T06:30:00.000-07:002011-07-13T06:32:50.589-07:00Details of Brent's Planning DecisionThis is a bit late now, but in case you are interested, <a href="http://democracy.brent.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?Id=143">here are the details of Brent's decision regarding Rauch's planning application</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-30449415226241731272009-07-18T07:00:00.000-07:002009-07-18T07:05:44.430-07:00More Plans for The StateTim Foster Architects have published their Planning Drawings and Design & Access Statement, and conservation-consultant John Earl's Conservation Plan, on their website:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.timfosterarchitects.com/documents/446/446.html">www.timfosterarchitects.com/documents/446/446.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-9361701232779367172009-07-08T09:59:00.000-07:002009-07-08T10:15:42.585-07:00Plans for The State go on-lineRauch Ministries applications for Planning Permission & Listed Building Consent have now been submitted to the London Borough of Brent (Ref. nos. 09/1508 and 09/1522). For the full information on these applications (and for the opportunity to comment on them) see:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Change of Use</span><br />Proposed change of use from theatre club (Use Class Sui Generis) to place of worship (Use Class D1); demolition and replacement of single-storey WC block to side of auditorium, demolition and replacement of single-storey and mezzanine meeting rooms to front of site; 7 new rooflights to mezzanine, erection of new side entrance and WC extension, installation of metal "stage access" door and new metal mesh screen at rear of site; new vehicular access from The Terrace, new refuse store and metal gates from Willesden Lane; re-landscaping of site, including 50 bicycle stores, 50 car-parking spaces and 3 disabled car-parking spaces, restoration of front elevations facing Kilburn High Road and Willesden Lane.<br /><a href="http://www.brent.gov.uk/servlet/ep.ext?extId=101150&reference=97731&st=PL">www.brent.gov.uk/servlet/ep.ext?extId=101150&reference=97731&st=PL<br /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Changes to Structure:</span><br />Listed building consent for demolition of single storey element between Brondesbury Mews and side of auditorium, plus toilet block to west of auditorium fronting onto Willesden Lane. Addition of lift and meeting room extension between Willesden Lane block & Brondesbury Mews, along with single storey backstage entrance and toilet extension to west of auditorium. Landscaping around building, including entrance from Kilburn High Road and exit from Willesden Lane with internal alterations to building associated with the change of use of the building to a place of worship, including restoration of front elevations to both Kilburn High Road and Willesden Lane. <br /><a href="http://www.brent.gov.uk/servlet/ep.ext?extId=101150&reference=97745&st=PL">www.brent.gov.uk/servlet/ep.ext?extId=101150&reference=97745&st=PL</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-5536433392073583782009-07-08T09:38:00.000-07:002009-07-08T09:48:44.984-07:00The Who at Kilburn State<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vZjZ_Spjb2M/SlTMF1DofWI/AAAAAAAAAAw/kq1HRjAWEVE/s1600-h/41v9SaQuuRL._SL500_AA240_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vZjZ_Spjb2M/SlTMF1DofWI/AAAAAAAAAAw/kq1HRjAWEVE/s200/41v9SaQuuRL._SL500_AA240_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356130257364090210" /></a><br />I've recently been enjoying this DVD of The Who, live in Kilburn State. Here's the blurb from the back:<br /><br />"They are one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time. For over four decades, they have changed modern music as we know it. But some of their most famous performances have never been released... until now. On December 15, 1977, The Who performed before a select invited audience at the Gaumont State Theatre in Kilburn, North London, to record a concert for Jeff Stein's film, The Kids Are Alright, which turned out to be one of the last live performances by drummer Keith Moon."<br /><br />Have a look on <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Who-Kilburn-1977-Live-Coliseum/dp/B001GAGRYG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1247071064&sr=8-1">Amazon.co.uk</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-8649124660149798442009-05-12T02:39:00.001-07:002009-05-12T02:45:32.102-07:00Glorious future for High Rd icon (Kilburn Times)Plans to transform an iconic building have won universal approval.<p>The Gaumont State in Kilburn High Road could be brought back to its former glory after architects' plans for its renovation were unveiled last week by its owners.<p>Subject to planning approval which will see a change of use from an entertainment venue to a place of worship, Ruach Ministries will strip away the State's bingo hall paraphernalia to reveal the building's original splendour.<p>The disused cinema will also have its seats pulled out to transform it into a new community centre for Kilburn.<p>Oliver Curry, who set up Save the Gaumont State to campaign against it being redeveloped, said: "The plans for The State look great - especially the commitment to return the building to how it was in the 1930s. I just hope that the church has the resources to see it through."<p>The project, which will take ten years to complete, has also been universally backed by Kilburn's politicians.<p>Cllr Janet Grauberg, (Lib Dem) Kilburn ward, said: "I'd never been inside the building before and I was bowled over by the size of it, and the beautiful original features. It was great to hear that the church are going to restore the building to its former glory and preserve its historic character, as well as provide community services such as a café and youth nights. No doubt there'll be issues along the way for local residents but I'm really pleased to see people prepared to invest so much money, care and attention in Kilburn." Dawn Butler, MP for Brent South, said: "The Gaumont State building has been an important architectural and cultural landmark in Kilburn for almost 70 years.<p>"This project will renew the legacy of this building and bring it back to the heart of the community in Brent."<p>When it opened in 1937 the State was the biggest auditorium in Europe and has played host to bands including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who and Deep Purple.<p>It also boasts one of the largest fully functioning Wurlitzer organs in Britain.<p>For 20 years the building was run as a bingo hall by Mecca, who put it up for sale in August 2007.<p>Written by Will Davies, <a href="http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/camden/kilburntimes/news/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsklbt&itemid=WeED11%20May%202009%2018%3A34%3A38%3A403">Kilburn Times</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-29642008026529069132009-05-03T13:39:00.000-07:002009-05-03T13:40:30.139-07:00Public ConsultationRauch Ministries are holding a public consultation about their plans for the Kilburn State, on Friday May 8th 2009, from 3pm-8.30pm.<br /><br />Come along and make your voices heard!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-12678673740575432952008-03-30T14:57:00.001-07:002008-03-30T15:06:11.308-07:00Wait for Gaumont State plansKilburn Times: The new owners of a historic music venue who are hoping to turn the site into a church have yet to apply for planning permission for change of use. The Ruach Inspirational Church of God, from Brixton, bought the Gaumont State Cinema, on Kilburn High Road, last December. The church said it wants to refurbish the building and bring it back to its former glory before re-opening it in June. But a spokeswoman from Brent Council said the new owners have yet to file an application for change of use. A spokeswoman for Ruach Ministries said: "We have not applied for planning permission as yet but will be doing so in the not too distant future." The 1937 Grade II listed building was home to Mecca Bingo until August 19, 2007, when it was closed down and put up for sale. Ruach Ministries have plans to incorporate a community centre in the building, open for everyone to use, but have yet to outline any further details.<br /><br /><a href="hhttp://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/search/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=News&itemid=WeED28%20Mar%202008%2015:35:29:830&tBrand=KLBTOnline&tCategory=search">Original article</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-71883904373507871042008-01-24T03:23:00.000-08:002008-01-24T03:26:03.615-08:00The view from CamdenFrom the minutes of Camden Council:<br /><br />QUESTION TO: KEITH MOFFITT, LEADER OF THE COUNCIL<br />BY: COUNCILLOR JAMES KING<br /><br />Will the Leader of the Council approach the new owners of the Kilburn State Cinema on Kilburn High Road to discuss ways to satisfy the demand of Kilburn residents for community use of the building?<br /><br />REPLY:<br />This iconic building, which is located on the Brent side of Kilburn High Road, was bought by Ruach Ministries just before Christmas. The new owners are proposing a change of use class from D2 (Bingo Hall/Cinema/Concert/Dance Hall) to D1 (Non-residential Institution). A planning application will be required for any works to the building as it is Grade II* listed. No application has been received to date and planning issues will be dealt with by Brent Council and guided by the policies of the Brent UDP. However, as a major development site on the border between Camden and Brent, Camden will have the opportunity to comment on any applications submitted.<br /><br />In terms of any likely community benefits that might be able to be sought via this planning application, it is inevitably going to be a finely balanced assessment for Brent Planners. Weighed into the balance needs to be the fact that the new owners are likely to have to spend a significant amount of money bringing one of Kilburn’s most important buildings back to its former state whilst at the same time the access for the non-church going public may be restricted.<br /><br />Suggested community uses include:<br />- permanent use of the derelict scenery dock in the car park for youth workshops and bike workshops<br />- continued use of the archway for plant/flower stall<br />- continued public use of the car park during the week<br />- public exhibition space in the foyer of the building<br />- access to the main hall 6 times a year to stage community events and/or live music concerts<br /><br />I have discussed the new ownership with my colleagues in Brent and I intend to meet with the new owners as soon as possible to discuss such community uses.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-44362658778816460342008-01-24T02:59:00.000-08:002008-01-24T03:15:01.436-08:00Church sketches future of The StateFrom the minutes of January's Kilburn Partnership meeting:<br /><br />"Paul Brightly-Jones, a Trustee of Ruach Ministries, expressed his pleasure to be at the meeting and to be part of the Kilburn community.<br /><br />Paul couldn’t give detailed information as decisions about the building are still being made by his organisation. However he gave the following update:<br /><ul><li>Ruach Ministries completed the sale from Mecca Bingo at the end of December 2007<br /></li><li>Paul explained that the church will focus on bringing back the ‘former glory’ of the <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>building & introduce cutting edge facilities too.<br /></li><li>Detailed plans are still being worked up, eg for the car park, the former cinema etc.<br /></li><li>The church is keen to talk to local people and groups to find a way to work together. He <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>reported that the church has worked well in the Brixton community and is popular there.<br /></li><li>Work on the building has already started and the church intends to open the building by <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Summer 08.<br /></li><li>Paul will extend an invitation to the church Prayer for the Nation at the end of January to <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>all involved in the Kilburn community.</li></ul>Car Park Update: The car park is closed to the public for the foreseeable future. Ruach Ministries are considering how to manage it appropriately. It is likely that neighbouring businesses will be able come to an agreement to continue using parking spaces. The car park was cleaned thoroughly during the first week of January 08 and litter and fly-tipping is being carefully monitored.<br /><br />Wurlitzer Organ: Dave Neale, the Gaumont’s chief engineer and custodian, has been retained to ensure continued maintenance of the listed Wurlitzer organ and the interior. Ed Jarvis, Brent’s Conservation Planner visited the building on 15th January with a representative from English Heritage. Ed told Ruach representatives that they need to provide him with a schedule of all works before they start and in the first instance this will just include non-structural works.<br /><br />Planning Update on the Gaumont State (supplied by Andy Bates, Brent Planning): The new owners are proposing a change of use class from D2 (Bingo Hall/Cinema/Concert/Dance Hall) to D1 (Non-residential Institution). A planning application will be required. A listed building application is needed for any works to the building. No application has been received to date.<br /><br />In terms of any likely community benefits sought via this planning application, it is inevitably going to be a finely balanced assessment for Brent Planners. Weighed into the balance needs to be the fact that the new owners are likely to have to spend a significant amount of money bringing one of Kilburn’s most important buildings back to its former state, which is really important, whilst at the same time the access for the non-church going public might be restricted."<br /><br />The key here is that, in return for getting planning approval, the church will have to offer services to the local community. So, local residents should think about what they would like the church to offer, and pass your thoughts on to your elected representatives at Brent and Camden Councils.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-27069312812645510472007-12-23T05:10:00.000-08:002008-01-24T03:18:11.304-08:00The State sold to Christian GroupThe Rank Organisation have sold The Kilburn State to the Trustees of The Ruach Inspirational Church of God (Ruach Ministries Christian Centre, 122 Brixton Hill, London SW2 1RS). For a taste of what to expect, see: <a href="http://www.johnfrancis.org.uk/">http://www.johnfrancis.org.uk/</a><br /><br />This outcome is disappointing to those who hoped that The State would be put at the disposal of the entire community, and not only evangelical christians. However, it will be up to the rest of us to ensure that the new owners preserve the integrity of the building, and to encourage them to make the place available for open days, and make some of The State's rooms available for other community events.<br /><br /><b>Historical note</b>: If any Kilburn residents are experiencing <i>deja vu</i> at this point, it is because we have been here before with The Kilburn National: "First known as the Kilburn National Ballroom, then later as the Kilburn National Club, the National, with its distinctive dome, has played host to hundreds of major rock bands, from The Smiths to Nirvana to Blur. There was even a short-lived music television programme broadcast live from the place in the 1980s. In 1999 it was closed down after long legal battles over noise levels, and was converted into an evangelical Church." (From the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A1171603">BBC</a>.) You may also remember that the church was closed down in 2002 after a Charity Commission investigation into financial improprietry, and the pastor involved was subsequently convicted of sex attacks. (See <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/2373857.stm">Receivers sent in to church</a>; <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/3690439.stm">Pastor convicted of sex attacks</a>; and <a href="http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-13014908-details/Wife+of+sex+case+pastor+still+living+high+life/article.do;jsessionid=80sWHnpJGB26Syn5q430GH2qpgqrLJh97WdHG7cxyQ9pS8hyJTzF!1604420826!-1407319226!7001!-1">Wife of sex case pastor still living high life</a>).Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-66005073573355951542007-12-19T17:28:00.000-08:002007-12-19T17:37:09.888-08:00Candlelit Vigil for The StateThere will be a candelit vigil to mark the 70th anniversary of the opening of the Kilburn State, from 7.30pm, on Thursday 20th December (outside the <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=NW6+7HY&ie=UTF8&ll=51.541171,-0.197496&spn=0.00702,0.013604&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=">front entrance to The State, on Kilburn High Road</a>).<br /><br />The vigil -- part of the "Save the Kilburn State!" campaign -- will help to protect the iconic building from property developers and ensure that it is reopened for community use.<br /><br />Come along to help raise the profile of the campaign, and to encourage more people to sign the ever-growing petition.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-76732815165494631642007-11-06T20:08:00.000-08:002008-12-11T11:39:26.808-08:00Ronnie Wood Helps Save the State<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vZjZ_Spjb2M/RzFLSLmN5qI/AAAAAAAAAAU/0EwdVWnwGbQ/s1600-h/41RR8mF9EXL._AA240_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vZjZ_Spjb2M/RzFLSLmN5qI/AAAAAAAAAAU/0EwdVWnwGbQ/s200/41RR8mF9EXL._AA240_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129964226274518690" /></a><br />Ronnie Wood (The Rolling Stones, The Faces) is supporting the campaign to Save the Kilburn State! In <a href="http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=114136102&blogID=321623630">a message posted on his blog</a>, he says: "HI EVERYONE PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION TO SAVE THE KILBURN STATE THEATRE WHERE THE NEW BARBAIRANS GIG WAS ALL THOSE YEARS AGO. THANK YOU -- RW."<br /><br />It turns out that Ronnie recorded an album -- <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/First-Barbarians-Live-Kilburn/dp/tracks/B000W1NID8/ref=dp_tracks_all_1/026-3274656-7628452#disc_1">The First Barbarians Live From Kilburn</a> -- live at The State in July 1974. "I feel very sentimental about this gig as it was an amazing time of my life, working with all those amazing musicians for those two nights after completing my first solo album," <a href="http://208.79.203.9/2007/10/22/the-first-barbarians/">he writes</a>.<br /><br />Ronnie also played at The Faces' last ever gig -- <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rod-Stewart-Faces-Concert-Richards/dp/B000055XNY/ref=sr_1_1/026-3274656-7628452?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1194313855&sr=1-1<br />">Rod Stewart and Faces: The Final Concert</a> -- at The State, in December 1974.<br /><br />Wonder what it sounded like? There's a bootleg of "I'd Rather Go Blind" from the gig <a href="http://www.gluonics.com/rod-stewart/downloads.shtml">available here</a> (search for 'Kilburn'). (You can hear Keith Richards, who played at both gigs, being thanked at the end.) And to hear what <a href="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=KbnFpUyTipg">The Faces</a> were like during this period, check out these live versions of <a href="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=5pXQARDNjR4">Stay With Me</a>, <a href="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=xikQ0c5KdZE">Maggie May</a>, and <a href="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=SLhoLkTyNkM">Maybe I'm Amazed</a>.<br /><br />Who knows, perhaps The State will one day host a Faces re-union... ?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-37156060892409333802007-11-06T19:55:00.000-08:002007-11-06T21:41:44.599-08:00The State: Taking a step back in time<a href="http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/london24/assets/images/dynamicFeed/ColeT42328092007.P02.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/london24/assets/images/dynamicFeed/ColeT42328092007.P02.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><i>The Kilburn Times</i> has published an article looking at the history of The State (including a picture of The Rolling Stones backstage).<br /><br />For more details, <a href="http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/search/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=News&itemid=WeED28%20Sep%202007%2016:36:50:000&tBrand=KLBTOnline&tCategory=search">click here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-47768799260697767592007-11-06T19:47:00.000-08:002007-11-06T19:55:28.467-08:00A Second Chance for The State?Commenting on recent events, Cllr Anthony Dunn had this to say: <br /><br />"It appears that the sale to the Bahrainis has fallen through, but only after they had paid a substantial non-refundable deposit. It became apparent to them (possibly arising out of the comments made by local politicos and residents) that they would not be able to turn The State into flats. Consequently, they declined to complete on the deal and forfeited their cash which may well have amounted to over £100K. That is now paying for 24/7 security cover, for ad hoc repairs, and for the Wurlitzer organ to be maintained.<br /><br />RankMecca are now marketing the place again and there are several interested groups. It has separately been suggested to me that the Museum of the Moving Image (formerly on the South Bank) is looking for a new home and that the Bradford based National Museum of Photography, Film and Television is also looking for a southern base. What is required is for someone to approach them and the National Lottery Heritage fund to see whether there is any mileage in any of this. The place would make a magnificent film and theatre related venue once more. Unfortunately, RankMecca continue to be extremely aloof and difficult to contact about their intentions.<br /><br />With Cllr James King from Kilburn (Camden), I have written to the lead members for Planning and Regeneration on both sides of the Kilburn High Road asking for Camden and Brent jointly to get involved and make these contacts with MOMI and NMPFT plus the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Watch this space."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-91174165520950030662007-11-06T18:54:00.000-08:002007-11-06T19:44:45.572-08:00Proposed sale falls throughGood news! The sale of The State to property developers has fallen through. The Kilburn Times reported on 28th September that:<br /><br />"[T]he sale, scheduled to go through with a mystery developer on September 12, failed to materialise. A Rank spokeswoman said: "The purchasers defaulted on their contract to buy and the property is now being re-marketed." The controversial sale attracted concern from residents who fear the historic building may be snapped up by property developers. . . . Because of its Grade II status, any development of the building must guarantee a community, arts and culture, retail or entertainment use and include the separate redevelopment of the former cinema building in Willesden Lane. Cllr Anthony Dunn, for Kilburn, said: "I just hope that Rank ensures that whoever comes along as a potential purchaser in future fully understands the history of the building and its role in Kilburn life over the decades, and that any proposed development is in keeping with and respects that history." Residents are encouraged to write to Brent Council (chris.walker@brent.gov.uk) urging them to ensure that the Grade II listing is preserved."<br /><br />For the full story, <a href="http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/search/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=News&itemid=WeED28%20Sep%202007%2016:40:38:510&tBrand=KLBTOnline&tCategory=search">click here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-19344336590231804992007-10-11T11:46:00.000-07:002007-10-11T11:47:35.474-07:00Double top!The <a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savethekilburnstate/index.html">Petition to "Save the State!"</a> now has over 200 signatures. Keep those signatures coming!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-8665439217873164582007-10-11T11:43:00.000-07:002007-10-11T11:45:50.638-07:00Camden Council Signals SupportCllr James King (Kilburn Ward, Camden Council) raised the campaign to Save the Kilburn State at a Full Meeting of Camden Council in September. The Campaign (and petition) was then mentioned in a story in the Camden New Journal.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-82734773265917231552007-09-12T05:14:00.000-07:002007-09-12T05:19:46.405-07:00The petition tops a ton!The <a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savethekilburnstate/index.html">Petition to "Save the State!"</a> now has over 100 signatures. Take a moment to review the comments, and be sure to keep sending the link to your friends and colleagues.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-59219335546901464732007-09-12T05:02:00.000-07:002007-09-12T05:14:47.202-07:00Local Liberal Democrats support the campaignLocal Liberal Democrats, including Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, have voiced their support for the campaign to Save the State.<br /><br />In their 'Focus' leaflet, delivered to local residents, they pledge to "support the campaign to protect the historic Kilburn State building, including the amazing internal architecture and the unique Wurlitzer organ, which is still in working condition". They also encourage residents to write to Brent Council (chris.walker@brent.gov.uk) "urging them to ensure that the Grade II listing is preserved and that the wurlitzer is maintained in working order whilst the building is closed and empty"; and also to write to the Kilburn Times "to raise the profile of the campaign to save this building" (times.letters@archant.co.uk).<br /><br />Note that the Liberal Democrats, in coalition with the Conservatives, are currently in power in Brent, and are thus best placed to act to Save the State.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-3718669766422411852007-09-09T09:17:00.000-07:002007-09-12T05:02:13.437-07:00We make the front page!The Kilburn Times has run another story on the campaign to save The State: Engstrom, J. (2007, 6 September). '<a href="http://www.kilburntimes.co.uk/content/camden/kilburntimes/news/story.aspx?brand=KLBTOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsklbt&itemid=WeED10%20Sep%202007%2016%3A05%3A23%3A907">In a State/Fears for bingo hall's future</a>'. Kilburn Times, p. 1.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-12198155595470599512007-08-31T06:09:00.001-07:002007-08-31T06:09:30.257-07:00Kilburn Councillors Support The StateThe campaign to Save The Kilburn State has secured the support of all three <a href="http://www.brent.gov.uk/democracy.nsf/SCWard?OpenForm&Category=Kilburn">Kilburn Ward councillors</a>.<br /><br />Here's what they had to say:<br /><br />Cllr Mary Arnold: "We must make sure that the Kilburn people's aspirations for the Mecca State are achieved and that the old State cinema is brought back into use giving access for people in the community. Brent Council has defined the building for entertainment and leisure, an opportunity to regain the cultural leading edge for performance and local skills together with fine architecture in the High Rd."<br /><br />Cllr Anthony Dunn: "Hosting one of, if not the largest Wurlitzer organ in the UK, the Kilburn State is a rare architectural gem in the area. There is no way that the local authority is about to accede to any request to change the planning designation of the Kilburn State, accept any attempt to revoke its Grade II* listed status or allow it to be demolished to make way for more housing. Any potential purchaser should be fully aware of this. Why not use the place for the purpose for which it was built: entertainment."<br /><br />Cllr Derek Jackson: "As a Kilburn Ward Councillor I feel strongly that this unique building should remain."<br /><br />The campaign thanks them for their support.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-47170927544796192922007-08-31T05:47:00.001-07:002007-08-31T05:47:44.929-07:00Campaign UpdateSince the campaign to "Save the State" started two weeks ago, it has prompted:<br /><br />1. Three local councillors (Mary Arnold, Anthony Dunn and Derek Jackson) and an MEP (Sarah Ludford) to take up the issue;<br />2. The Kilburn Times to run a story (Sam-Daliri, N. (2007, 23 August). 'The Empire that can't fight back'. The Kilburn Times, p. 7.);<br />3. Brent Planning Department to send a photographer to the building to catalogue its listed features;<br />4. And the Kilburn Town Centre Manager to alert local police and Street Care officers, and advise them to pay special attention to the building while it is empty.<br /><br />So far so good. But the future of The State is still uncertain. So keep your ears to the ground, your eye on the blog... and hold your elected representatives to their promises to Save the State!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3212924382114479785.post-70898341921125399042007-08-31T05:45:00.000-07:002007-08-31T05:46:10.330-07:00The Empire that can't fight backThe Kilburn Times ran a story on the closing of The State last week: Sam-Daliri, N. (2007, 23 August). 'The Empire that can't fight back'. The Kilburn Times, p. 7.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0