One of London’s oldest cinemas is to undergo a dramatic renovation and go back to its roots as a theatre.
The Coronet, in Notting Hill, has been sold by the Kensington Temple Church to The Print Room theatre, which is moving because its home in nearby Hereford Road is being developed into high-quality flats.
The Print Room’s redevelopment plans will save the Grade II-listed building as an arts institution, with hopes for a restaurant, café and bar.
The larger three-tier auditorium will continue as a cinema screen, although it could be used for performance. The smaller of its two screens will be converted into a 120-seat theatre opening this autumn.
Artistic director Anda Winters, 52, who founded The Print Room five years ago, said they were thrilled to have found such a “glorious” new home.
She said: “It’s a truly grand space where we can keep delivering our eclectic programme of world-class drama, innovative dance, diverse music, poetry, exhibitions and other performing arts, but with the addition of world-class cinema. Hopefully we’re going to have something happening almost every night.”
The Coronet, which opened in 1898, was designed by WGR Sprague, whose other work included Wyndham’s and the Aldwych. Stars such as Ellen Terry and Sarah Bernhardt appeared on what was regarded as one of the finest stages outside the West End and John Gielgud saw his first Shakespeare play — As You Like It — there in 1912.
It survived demolition threats in the Seventies and had a star turn in the film Notting Hill as the cinema where Hugh Grant wears his prescription goggles.
Mrs Winters declined to discuss costs but the development is being funded privately. Studio Indigo architects will oversee the transformation, including the restoration of original features.
