When it opened in 1933 The Granada was Hove’s only large purpose-built cinema. Designed by H.L.Hemsley for a local company in partnership with Granada (Dover) Ltd, it was one of three Brighton & Hove cinemas deliberately sited to provide for the expanding residential districts. Following various incarnations, its latest as a bingo hall, The Granada was closed in 2003. Downland Housing Association, part of the Affinity Sutton Group, has now purchased the site.
Conran & Partners’ proposal for The Granada gives this historically important building a new lease of life, providing community facilities including a doctors’ surgery with pharmacy and a community space. The scheme differs from earlier proposals in that it includes affordable housing for the local community - this in the form of rented accommodation, disabled flats, shared ownership flats for key-workers, family accommodation and flats for the YMCA. This scheme, which looks both to the future and preserves the best of the past, will be an important addition to the Portland Road area.
Conran & Partners’ proposal for The Granada gives this historically important building a new lease of life, providing community facilities including a doctors’ surgery with pharmacy and a community space. The scheme differs from earlier proposals in that it includes affordable housing for the local community - this in the form of rented accommodation, disabled flats, shared ownership flats for key-workers, family accommodation and flats for the YMCA. This scheme, which looks both to the future and preserves the best of the past, will be an important addition to the Portland Road area.
