UCKG wins Catford appeal
Released: 29.09.05
The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) has won its planning appeal in respect of the former ABC cinema at 1 Bromley Road Catford. This means that the church now has consent for renovation and partial change of use that will enable it to refurbish the building as a UCKG HelpCentre, which is a combination of church and a thriving community centre, plus a cinema.
Pastor Paul Hill, head of property for UCKG said: “We have worked hard for this consent and are very happy with the outcome of the appeal. It is our view that the planning inspector made the right decision and we look forward to bringing the project to fruition.”
UCKG will now renovate the former cinema building and bring it into new use for the benefit of the local community. Work has already started on making the structure fully wind and water-tight. The church’s architects are currently working up detailed plans so that it can be brought into service as quickly as possible.
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Notes to editors
- The UCKG HelpCentre in Catford will include facilities for conferences, exhibitions, youth and seniors groups and a crèche as well as a church for public worship offering daily services and one to one counselling. A training centre will offer IT courses and English for Speakers of Other Languages to nationally recognised curricula, leading to recognised qualifications.
- Orion Cinemas will be operating an intimate upmarket cinema in the building.
- UCKG has been commended by English Heritage for the sensitive restoration of the art deco Rainbow Theatre in Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury Park, London N4, which is now its UK headquarters. The church is a registered charity
- UCKG’s scheme will contribute to the vitality and viability of Catford town centre by adding to the diversity of uses there.
- It ill bring a vacant and deteriorating building back into daily use and will help in the preservation and enhancement of the Culverley Green Conservation Area.
If you require any further information regarding the UCKG, please submit your enquiry or telephone Francessca Lewis on 0207 686 6033.
