Kensington Temple Coronet Press Release

18^th May 2004

The following press release has been sent to the Notting Hill Gate Improvements Group and is shown here without comment for the information of those with an interest in the future of the Coronet.

Coronet announces opening film programme
 
It will be business as usual when Notting Hill's The Coronet Cinema re-opens under new ownership on Thursday (May 20th).
 
The opening film on Thursday night will be Troy (15), and other films in the first week include Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (15); the Day After Tomorrow (12a) and matinee showings of Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (PG).

The Coronet has been purchased by Notting Hill-based Church, Kensington Temple. The church has committed to an immediate investment of £500,000 for upgrading and improvements at the cinema, and hope to raise over £1 million over the next eighteen months for further improvements and renovation work.
 
Senior Pastor Colin Dye commented: “As the new owners we are fully committed to ensuring that The Coronet continues as a resource and venue for the entire Notting Hill community and beyond. As our launch programme demonstrates we will continue to offer a wide selection of popular films.

“Keeping the cinema function has always been one of our key aims and allows us to build important bridges with our neighbourhood. The Coronet first opened in 1898, and Kensington Temple church was first open for services in 1848 so we both have very long associations with the area.”
                           
The Coronet was previously owned and managed by Mr and Mrs Graham Dowson for 30 years. Mr Dowson commented:

“We are delighted that Kensington Temple has bought the Coronet Cinema.  We were approached by a number of prospective purchasers but Kensington Temple came forward with a proposal that ensured the continuation of an important cinema. Their proposal promised exciting developments in the use of this historic building and a return in due course also to include its original role as an important venue for theatrical and live arts.”

Pastor Dye also clarified the Temple’s position regarding the intended uses of the Coronet:

 “We have always said that our primary purpose is to use the Coronet as a centre for the arts for all the community. We are currently in the process of what we intend to be a comprehensive consultation with every section of the community.

 We believe that out of this process of consultation will come positive and concrete proposals which, if implemented, will make the Coronet a thriving multi media entertainment centre for the whole community.

 We are not seeking to turn the Coronet into a church and are not applying for any change of use at this time. The Cinema will continue to run as usual. We expect the final proposals when they are completed will include on-going cinema capability as well as the full restoration of the theatre element.”

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For further information contact: Joanne Milroy or Chris Genasi on 0207 323 9860 or 07802 946220.