As co-founder of the Astoria Moving Picture Trust (with Colin Dibley and former council planning chairman Nimrod Ping) I am encouraged to read your balanced attitude towards new proposals to demolish the Astoria and replace it with a so-called “business centre” (The Argus, August 26). Details of the scheme are not yet public. But they would condemn the extraordinary and unique features of the cinema interior – covered up but preserved since the 1940s – whose rediscovery by us in 2000 led to the immediate listing of the building by English Heritage to avoid imminent threat of demolition at that time.
We have faith that neither English Heritage nor Brighton and Hove City Council will easily agree to demolition of such a superb, structurally-sound and historically important multi-use venue, which can still be a huge asset to Brighton. We are also encouraged by widespread opposition to demolition.
The stunning art deco features of the Astoria are a unique part of Brighton’s architectural and cultural heritage, and must be saved for future generations to enjoy.
Matthew May
Grafton Street, Brighton
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