Transform The EMD Cinema into a cultural asset for the preservation of London’s history for the London Borough of Waltham Forest who has a clear local plan to prioritise investment.

The former EMD Cinema has been derelict for over 15 years.

Our challenge was to make this a financially viable opportunity by providing clear analysis and recommendations regarding the opportunities available to cultivate the venue as a catalyst for economic and cultural development in Walthamstow Town Centre.

We have proposed a completely accessible multi-functional theatre space offering a range of culture, leisure and other activities. The scheme facilitates a programme of positively varied use with “something for all members of the community”.

It is estimated that this will stimulate additional growth in Walthamstow’s local economy of £34 million to £52 million over the next 10 years (approximately £175 Million over 40 years by 2061). Forecasting growth in GVA of £3.2M year on year.

• We used an innovative approach to economic assessment by utilising our community impact modelling (CIM) it is estimated that this will stimulate additional growth in Walthamstow’s local economy of £34 million to £52 million over the next 10 years (approximately £175 Million over 40 years by 2061). Forecasting growth in GVA of £3.2M year on year.

• We mitigated key risks and secured a charitable operator for long term commitment

• We are addressing multiple deprivation in the borough, particularly in Hoe Street and extending Urban regeneration further North.

• The Cinema will create an accessible multi-functional theatre space offering a range of culture, leisure and other activities.

• At the heart of the building sits an auditorium space refurbished to seat 1000 seats directly accessible to a series of bars restaurants, education facilities and other entertainment spaces.

“It’s great news that Waltham Forest Council has decided to purchase and renovate this much-loved music and film venue. Fresh from their London Borough of Culture victory, this demonstrates Waltham Forest’s commitment to invest in the cultural fabric of the area and transform the borough into a cultural hub – a brilliant place for people to work, live and visit.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan