Builders all fired up for work on Cannon
THE multi-million pound transformation of the derelict Cannon Cinema will start next week, three-and-a-half years after the Jesus Army bought the lease to the art deco venue.
The Northamptonshire-based religious sect had initially planned to begin the 5 million facelift of the Grade Two listed building at the end of 2000, nine months after securing the 99-year lease.
But following a catalogue of unexpected delays and legal wrangles, Jesus Army elders have announced that building contractors will move on to the site on Monday to create a worship centre in the heart of Northampton.
Jesus Army spokesman John Campbell said: "It is a massive job, and the preparation work has taken a lot longer than expected. A lot of time has been spent to get approval because it is a listed building. But we are very excited.
"The opening of the worship centre will be a big event not just for the Jesus Army, but for the whole of Northampton."
The building work, which is due to continue until July or August next summer, will have to follow a strict programme set out by English Heritage and Northampton Borough Council planners.
The development will see the former cinema, which closed in May 1995, turned into the worship centre that will also feature conferencing facilities.
The Chronicle & Echo revealed in May this year that a baptism pool would be built on the stage, and an extension of the once-magnificent balcony would also be put in.
A cafe will also be incorporated in the new development, and community facilities will include meeting and dining areas as well as offices, training rooms, a day care unit and kitchen. Deadly asbestos has already been removed from the building, and pigeon droppings have been cleared. Repairs have also been carried out to the roof and foundations.
In 1999 the Jesus Army was refused planning permission to create the worship centre, but elders later managed to reverse the decision at an appeal.
Planning permission was eventually formally given by the borough council in May.
Rushden-based Deejak Builders will act as the major contractors and the architects are Gotch, Saunders and Surridge.
paul.jeeves@northantsnews.co.uk
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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