Planning approved for cinema at former EMI site

Architecture Initiative has been given the go-ahead for a cinema and community venue at EMI’s former manufacturing headquarters in Hayes, west London.

The site, which was also once the home of His Master’s Voice (HMV) played a key part of the UK’s music history and records by numerous artists, such as The Beatles, were pressed at the facility.

Known as The Gramophone, the project will be the first cinema in Hayes for 70 years and is said to be one of the last elements of U&I’s long-term regeneration at the rebranded Old Vinyl Factory. The overall masterplan will include 750 homes, a school, office space and retail and leisure facilities.

U+I Senior Development Manager Rebecca Selby said: “Not only do we want to support new and interesting businesses, such as this independent cinema and community space, but we want the people who live and work in this new part of London to be excited about their neighbourhood and what it has to offer. The Gramophone will add to the buzz at The Old Vinyl Factory and we can’t wait for them to open the doors.”