Ex-cinema in Nelson faces the bulldozer (From Burnley and Pendle Citizen)

Ex-cinema in Nelson faces the bulldozer

10:24am Tuesday 12th May 2009

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A RAT-infested former cinema which has lain empty for years is to be razed to the ground after Pendle Council bought the site.

Town Hall chiefs confirmed plans to demolish the Regent Picturedrome in Leeds Road, Nelson, after securing the building for £270,000.

Bradley councillors welcomed the proposals to knock down the “eyesore” as part of wider redevelopment plans for the area.

However concerns were raised over future plans for the land next to the proposed £1.3 million Bradley Youth and Community Centre.

The Regent was a purpose built cinema, but it was later transformed into bingo hall and then a furniture warehouse.

Following a serious fire, which caused a significant amount of damage, the large building was left derelict.

The building is situated next to the area where the Lottery-funded Bradley Hub will be constructed.

Once built the hub will house a youth and community centre while a young people's residence is also planned.

Town Hall chiefs now intend to revitalise the former cinema site as part of redevelopment plans.

Bradley Coun Mohammed Iqbal said the demolition was long overdue.

He added: “It is sad to lose an old historic building but the owners had run it down to such a state that its only inhabitants were rats, which were using it as a nesting place before attacking local residents’ homes.

“Rather than being left with empty land it’s imperative that the council moves ahead with revitalising the area.”

But fellow Bradley representative Coun Mohammed Sakib believes the site should be given to St Philip’s Church for car parking provisions.

He said: “It gets quite congested on Sunday mornings with cars being parked there. If it is turned into a car park the church could share it with the new offices across the road.”

A blue and white glass art-deco Regent sign, which has been damaged by stones, has been retained at the request of Coun James Starkie.

Members of Pendle Council’s executive committee backed the bid to buy the building.

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