Hackney Arts Centre: Huge project to revamp Savoy Cinema given green light

The Art Deco theatre is now derelict but Auro hopes to change that. Archant

A derelict Art-Deco cinema in Stoke Newington Road will reopen as a theatre and music venue after police backed down over capacity demands.

Share Email this article to a friend To send a link to this page you must be logged in.

The derelict cinema in September 1984. Picture: Amir Dotan The derelict cinema in September 1984. Picture: Amir Dotan

The Hackney Arts Centre project, first revealed by the Gazette in April, was approved by town hall planners on Thursday.

The decision had been adjourned for a month because police wanted a maximum of 500 people to be allowed inside the venue due to the impact on neighbours at closing time, something developers said meant they wouldn’t make enough money.

But the cops have now backed down on their demand after a detailed “dispersal policy” allayed their fears.

The newly built Savoy in 1936. Picture: Amir Dotan The newly built Savoy in 1936. Picture: Amir Dotan

That means Auro Foxcroft, owner of Shoreditch’s Village Underground, will get his wish to allow 1,000 customers inside the former ABC Cinema for the music, film and theatre events.

The venue will be modelled on Camden’s Roundhouse and host 350 music acts a year, application papers claim.