Fears for cinema in plans for development (From The Argus)

Fears for cinema in plans for development

8:20am Friday 22nd June 2007 in News By Paul Holden

Cinema buffs fear for the future of an historic picturehouse if plans for a modern multiscreen are given the go ahead.

Developers want to build a movie venue at Teville Gate, Worthing, as part of a major housing and leisure complex.

But the Cinema Theatre Association, a national pressure group, said it was highly irresponsible to include a multiplex in the plans.

It said more than £2 million had been spent on restoring the seafront Dome, which dates back to Edwardian times.

The Dome was due to reopen this summer, and the association called on the council to support it rather than back a competitor.

Councillors will consider an updated report on the Teville Gate scheme on Tuesday.

The report includes fresh protests, including one from the South Broadwater Residents' Association, which said the enormous mass, height and scale of the developmet was totally unsuitable for this area.

Developers Hanson Capital Management wants to construct two twin towers containing 235 apartments, a cinema, swimming pool, fitness centre, indoor bowling complex, bingo club, shops and cafes, plus 635 parking spaces, on the site.

It has also requested permission for a 100ft-high needle-shaped extension on top of the taller tower.

The report said the needle had provoked criticism, but it would not serve any function other than architectural decoration, adding "further drama" to the structure.

However, the Civil Aviation Authority has been asked if the needle needs an aircraft warning light.

The council has already supported the Hanson scheme, but a question mark still hangs over whether a pool will be built because the developers and the council cannot agree on a price.

The Worthing Society conservation group reluctantly accepted that new homes had to be built, but said the towers, when viewed from the sides, would look overwhelmingly obtrusive.

It said it remained to be convinced that there was a market for high-rise living with lots of people in close proximity to each other.

The society said Teville Gate was the wrong site for a new pool, which should be situated close to the sea along with other watersports facilities.

The council concluded: "The proposed landmark development on this important gateway site would provide a positive and memorable image for the regeneration of the town centre and seafront, and act as a catalyst for further change."