'Nostalgia' can't save Wellington's Clifton Cinema, say councillors
“Nostalgia” and “sentiment” should not get in the way of the demolition of a disused cinema, town councillors have said, with some describing it as an “eyesore”.
The Clifton Cinema, in Wellington, closed more than 30 years ago, but was re-used as a shop until 2012.
Telford Investments Ltd is awaiting approval from Telford and Wrekin Council to knock down the 1930s art deco building, with work expected to take place next year.
Wellington Town Council Planning Committee member Lisa Jinks said the Bridge Road site “looks a mess” with the empty building.
Chairman John Alvey acknowledged that “there probably will be some voices of opposition”, but said it was important to “put sentiment to one side” and move the town forward. The committee offered no objection to the demolition.
Councillor Stephen DeLauney said a 2018 application, by an Essex-based developer, which proposed 52 homes and three commercial units while keeping the cinema facade was “the best we were ever likely to do” with the existing building, but this proposal was withdrawn the following year.
