On Saturday 3 October, we met with the newly formed Friends of Beckenham Cinema group when members came along to our Councillor Surgery.

The group is spearheading the local campaign to retain a cinema in Beckenham, which includes the Change.org petition, and has now set up a website, ‘Save our Screen’, to bring together information and updates, see: https://saveourscreen.pages.dev

They shared some of the personal stories they have heard from people who regularly use the Odeon and spoke about the strength of local feeling about the cinema’s planned closure and the importance of the venue to different sections of the community.

The group also spoke about the limited opportunity for community involvement before the announcement about the cinema’s future. They felt that earlier engagement could have provided an opportunity to understand whether there was interest from other cinema operators, community organisations or others in the future operation of the cinema. The group also discussed options for retaining a cinema and cultural venue on the site.

The condition of the building was also discussed. The group recognised that an older, Grade II listed building may have maintenance and investment requirements, while noting that the building is currently operating as a cinema. They believed the building could continue to operate as a cinema.

We explained the Council processes that would apply to any planning application for change of use from a cinema to a place of worship, as well as the Council’s separate responsibilities in areas such as licensing, highways and the town centres.

As Ward Councillors, we explained that our role is to keep residents informed, listen to and collate views from across the community, and ensure relevant local views are represented through the planning process. Any planning application will need to be considered on its individual merits and against the relevant planning policies and material considerations.

It was really useful to hear directly from the group and discuss their work. We will continue engaging with Friends of Beckenham Cinema, local residents, businesses and Citygate Church as more information becomes available about the future of the cinema and any proposed change of use.

Beckenham Town & Copers Cope Ward Councillors, Chloe-Jane Ross, Gita Bapat and Steven Jefferies