Cambridge art deco cinema facade spared as inspector blocks demolition for office scheme

Introduction

A bid to demolish Cambridge's 1930s art deco cinema on Hobson Street has been blocked after a planning inspector sided with the council, emphasising the building's historic facade and contribution to the area’s character.

The site owner and developers had proposed replacing the derelict site with a contemporary office block, plus a community space and refurbishment of Hobson's Passage, but the decision keeps the building intact for now.

The decision and background

Cambridge City Council refused permission for demolition and a formal appeal followed. The planning inspector subsequently endorsed the council’s stance, saying the loss of the facade would harm the conservation area.

Owner Mark Richer argued that years of trying to find a viable use for the site had been spent and called for action to “stop the rot” and bring the site back to life.

The inspector noted a feasibility study highlighted challenges in keeping the art deco facade as part of any redevelopment, including limited natural light in the upper floors.

Although the study suggested potential occupiers would favour a modern design, the inspector found this argument unconvincing, given that offices in converted central-city buildings are often highly sought after.

It was acknowledged that the former cinema has a moderate level of significance for its own merit and for its role in the conservation area, and removing the principal facade would erode historic fabric and the street’s character.

The plan and its impacts

Developers proposed a scheme featuring a new office block with a community space and improvements to Hobson's Passage. The inspector also weighed the potential skyline impact and noted that while the redevelopment offers benefits, they did not outweigh the heritage concerns.

Conclusion

The ruling underscores the difficulty of balancing heritage protection with redevelopment pressures in Cambridge’s city centre. A revised proposal that preserves the facade while delivering new uses could still be explored.

Key Takeaways

• The planning inspector blocked demolition to protect the art deco facade and overall historic character.
• Aims for a new office block and community space remain, but must adapt to heritage requirements.
• The decision highlights the importance of conservation in central Cambridge planning and the skyline.
• A revised scheme retaining elements of the facade could still proceed in the future.

Expert comment

A planning consultant noted that the decision reinforces the city’s commitment to heritage in redevelopment, even when economic arguments push for modernisation. It shows developers must integrate historic fabric into future schemes.

Summary

The inspector’s ruling preserves a slice of Cambridge’s Art Deco history, preventing immediate demolition. While the benefits of a new office block and community space are recognised, the heritage value and street character must be given priority. The case leaves room for a revised plan that honours the building’s legacy while delivering new uses.

Key insight: Preserving historic facades can trump demolition even when modern development offers clear economic gains. BBC News