Way forward agreed on Ladywell Playtower restoration

Plans to transform the historic Victorian bath house into a new three-screen cinema with café, bar and residential units have been revised to also include a dedicated space for use by community groups and as an affordable workspace.

In 2017 Curzon Cinemas won the bid to restore the Playtower after the building was badly damaged by fire and fell into disrepair.

But investigations into the condition of the building revealed that the cost of restoring the historic building, which sits within the St Mary’s Conservation Area, were greater than anticipated. As solutions to raise the necessary funds were explored, the restoration works slowed.

Following conversations between the council, the developer Guildmore and Curzon over the summer, the proposed restoration works to Ladywell Playtower have been revised.

It has been agreed that up to 200m2 of ground floor space be used as an affordable workspace for local businesses or bookable community space. The space would be let at rates below the market rate. Curzon Cinemas has also committed to offer discounted cinema tickets to local residents.

The changes to the proposed restoration works to Ladywell Playtower were agreed at a meeting of Mayor and Cabinet on 20 November.

A full planning application is expected to be submitted early in 2020.

The Council will retain the freehold to the building.