Rauch 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:
Change of Use
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.
www.brent.gov.uk/servlet/ep.ext?extId=101150&reference=97731&st=PL
Changes to Structure:
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.
www.brent.gov.uk/servlet/ep.ext?extId=101150&reference=97745&st=PL
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
The Who at Kilburn State
I've recently been enjoying this DVD of The Who, live in Kilburn State. Here's the blurb from the back:
"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."
Have a look on Amazon.co.uk.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Glorious future for High Rd icon (Kilburn Times)
Plans to transform an iconic building have won universal approval.
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.
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.
The disused cinema will also have its seats pulled out to transform it into a new community centre for Kilburn.
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."
The project, which will take ten years to complete, has also been universally backed by Kilburn's politicians.
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.
"This project will renew the legacy of this building and bring it back to the heart of the community in Brent."
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.
It also boasts one of the largest fully functioning Wurlitzer organs in Britain.
For 20 years the building was run as a bingo hall by Mecca, who put it up for sale in August 2007.
Written by Will Davies, Kilburn Times
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Public Consultation
Rauch Ministries are holding a public consultation about their plans for the Kilburn State, on Friday May 8th 2009, from 3pm-8.30pm.
Come along and make your voices heard!
Come along and make your voices heard!
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Wait for Gaumont State plans
Kilburn 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.
Original article
Original article
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The view from Camden
From the minutes of Camden Council:
QUESTION TO: KEITH MOFFITT, LEADER OF THE COUNCIL
BY: COUNCILLOR JAMES KING
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?
REPLY:
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.
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.
Suggested community uses include:
- permanent use of the derelict scenery dock in the car park for youth workshops and bike workshops
- continued use of the archway for plant/flower stall
- continued public use of the car park during the week
- public exhibition space in the foyer of the building
- access to the main hall 6 times a year to stage community events and/or live music concerts
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.
QUESTION TO: KEITH MOFFITT, LEADER OF THE COUNCIL
BY: COUNCILLOR JAMES KING
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?
REPLY:
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.
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.
Suggested community uses include:
- permanent use of the derelict scenery dock in the car park for youth workshops and bike workshops
- continued use of the archway for plant/flower stall
- continued public use of the car park during the week
- public exhibition space in the foyer of the building
- access to the main hall 6 times a year to stage community events and/or live music concerts
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.
Church sketches future of The State
From the minutes of January's Kilburn Partnership meeting:
"Paul Brightly-Jones, a Trustee of Ruach Ministries, expressed his pleasure to be at the meeting and to be part of the Kilburn community.
Paul couldn’t give detailed information as decisions about the building are still being made by his organisation. However he gave the following update:
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.
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.
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."
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.
"Paul Brightly-Jones, a Trustee of Ruach Ministries, expressed his pleasure to be at the meeting and to be part of the Kilburn community.
Paul couldn’t give detailed information as decisions about the building are still being made by his organisation. However he gave the following update:
- Ruach Ministries completed the sale from Mecca Bingo at the end of December 2007
- Paul explained that the church will focus on bringing back the ‘former glory’ of the building & introduce cutting edge facilities too.
- Detailed plans are still being worked up, eg for the car park, the former cinema etc.
- The church is keen to talk to local people and groups to find a way to work together. He reported that the church has worked well in the Brixton community and is popular there.
- Work on the building has already started and the church intends to open the building by Summer 08.
- Paul will extend an invitation to the church Prayer for the Nation at the end of January to all involved in the Kilburn community.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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