Did you know that the Granada Cinema on Mitcham Road – now owned by Gala Bingo – is Tooting constituency’s only Grade I listed building? Built in the 1920's, many of you will have noted its striking external design, but if you haven’t been inside, do pop your head in as it really is a treasure to behold, reckoned by some to be the UK's most spectacular cinema.
However, bingo hall membership in the UK is in decline across and other similar buildings have been sold and had their doors closed to the general public by their new owners. That’s why I’ve been working with the Cinema Theatre Association to ensure we keep this beautiful building open to the community, in the event that Gala were to sell it.
By getting it listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) we would gain added planning protection for this historic building, as well as giving ourselves the chance to mount a community bid at a later date. So for the past few months I've been collecting signatures from local residents to support an ACV listing and ensure we give ourselves the best chance of keeping it open to the public for the long-term.
It would be great to have your support on this campaign so please add your name to the petition below to ask the Council to list the Granada as an Asset of Community Value.