Get ready at the back - this could be fun...

It's well over a year since the Ruach Church bought the Gaumont State Cinema in Kilburn and now in 2009 it looks like plans will be forthcoming for it to be re-opened this autumn.

Of course it won't be a cinema, it won't be a bingo hall, it will be primarily a place of worship - but I also sense that it will be something else as well.

The Ruach Church is a live, inter-active experience - they place great faith in people, in genuinely recognition of the pressure people face and in supporting families.

I have been to the Ruach Church in Brixton a couple of times now - and was there again on Sunday - and the warmth, sincerity and desire to make this project in Kilburn work is undoubted. (this picture is a small snap of Bishop John Francis in the current Ruach Church in Brixton).

Let me be very clear - I have my own faith, I'm not an evangelical - but the maintainence of the Gaumont State, the role of community, the commitment to the local area is such from the Ruach Church that I have little doubt that there is a bright future here.

Bishop John Francis is quite a powerhouse - of views, opinions and passion. For Kilburn we need to be ready, engaged and open to all - I think there are major gains for outreach work with the young, elderly and some of the most vulnerable by working with Ruach.

Further, I think the opportunities for looking after the Gaumont State, opening it up for public access, working with local schools - there is all to play for... what we now need as a community is a sustained dialogue that articulates a joint vision for what could be.

The prize is a better Kilburn, a stronger community, and more people wanting to make it even better... let's give it a go.

Kilburn State Cinema - end of year developments

I have earlier posted about the future of the Kilburn State cinema venue on the Kilburn High Road [http://474towin.blogspot.com/2007/11/kilburn-state-final-closing-days.html] - two major developments have since occurred.

The first is the emergence of a group of residents up for pushing forward a positive agenda for the venue - mindful of its historical and architectural significance to the High Road and locality - but also wanting to see the building back in use and accessible to the public.

To that end we held a vigil on the 70th anniversary of the building being opening on 20th December 1937 - just in time for Christmas.

The was held at short notice but was brilliantly well supported.

Thanks to Councillors Anthony Dunn, Derek Jackson, Janet Grauberg, James King, David Abrahams and Russell Eagling for attending and helping.

A special thanks to Oliver Curry who set up http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savethekilburnstate/ and who sent round an email highlighting the vigil. Also heartfelt thanks to the residents and traders who came along - it was cold and windy!

After some discussion we have now resolved to formalise a group of residents and traders passionate about the buildings significance to establish a clear vision for the future.

The next major development however, is the news that the Kilburn State has been sold by Rank Mecca to the Ruach Inspirational Church of God - based in the UK in Brixton. The good news of this is that it isn't a property developer determined to make proft through exploitation of the site, but it raises a whole load of additional questions.

We will be working with Brent and Camden Councils to try and get a real meaningful dialogue with the new owners and secure some good access for the community - there are lots of ideas - we just now need to get the talking going and the action identified...