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james73

Anger over plan to level listed movie hall facade

THE listed facade of one of the oldest cinemas in Scotland is to be pulled down
under a council's controversial plans.

South Lanarkshire Council is to bulldoze the B-listed front of the former La
Scala cinema in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, to make way for an office
development.

The movie theatre was built in the 1920s but was more recently used as a
bingo hall before being bought over by the local authority.

Developers want to build a four- storey office block and 37 car parking
spaces at the site on Keith Street.

The building's auditorium was recently demolished but it is understood that
approval for this was given on condition the facade be retained.

The Cinema Theatres Association, Historic Scotland, The Theatres Trust
and and the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland all objected to the
plan.

Opponents say it flouts national planning laws which state that no listed
building should be demolished unless all efforts to retain it have failed.
They claim other applications were passed over that proposed to
incorporate the facade.

However, the council insists the plan does not contravene planning laws
and will boost the town's regeneration.

The picture house, which closed in 1960, was designed by architect James
McKissack who also created the La Scala in Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street in
1912.

James H
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The blinding obvious is what you showed to me.....

LowLight · Deep fried Mars bar Joined: 18 Aug 2008 Posts: 1563

I was out in Hamilton yeasterday with the maw and the wee man and as we walked past the Vogue I thought I would have a wee look around.

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Alex Glass · Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 6:04 pm Post subject:

Well done Lowlight

Great photos

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I had a dream today

ALEX G @ flickr

LowLight · Deep fried Mars bar Joined: 18 Aug 2008 Posts: 1563

Thanks Alex. In case anyone's over that way, the side door on the church across the road can easily be opened but I didn't tell you that.
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Currently Reading: A Song of Ice and Fire - Game of Thrones

John · Deep fried Mars bar Joined: 07 Aug 2007 Posts: 1217

Great pics Pete

I don`t see any reason other than financial that the facade can`t be saved and incorporated into a new structure.
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I was in a Tunnel on another forum and I came out here. fcuk, who shut the door !
http://www.flickr.com/photos/53271524@N00/

Stuball · Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 11:37 pm Post subject:

Security looks appalling for a half demolished building... must try get out that way soon

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FLICKR GALLERY

Stuball · Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 6:58 pm Post subject:

Security? What security? I'm shocked how easy it was to walk straight into the building and up the stairs.

More pics soon

_________________
Now coming at you with 95% more significance, 1% less salt and virtually fat free!

FLICKR GALLERY

LowLight · Deep fried Mars bar Joined: 18 Aug 2008 Posts: 1563

Too easy isn't. I was with the wean or I'd have been right up there.

Great shots Stu.
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Currently Reading: A Song of Ice and Fire - Game of Thrones

Stuball · Posted: Tue May 12, 2009 7:06 pm Post subject:

LowLight · Deep fried Mars bar Joined: 18 Aug 2008 Posts: 1563

Aye it didn't look the safest.

Did you have a look at the church?
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Currently Reading: A Song of Ice and Fire - Game of Thrones