Harrow’s famous Safari Cinema could be returned to its former glory as it prepares to make way for eighty new homes. The planning application states that there are plans to incorporate the original design of the iconic building.
Harrow Council have received a planning application for the site of the Safari Cinema, in Station Road to build a new block of flats which would be 11 storeys high. There would be a total of 78 new flats at the venue, but the metal cladding that is featured on the front of the cinema would be removed revealing the artistic facade that lies beneath.
Approximately one month after opening in 1936, it was taken over by ABC (Associated British Cinemas) who continued to show mixed films and variety policy of programming at the venue. In the 1980’s the cinema became one of many Cannon Cinemas, and the building was re-named ‘Cannon’.
In 1962 the Art Deco facade was covered over in metal cladding, which remains on the building to this today, it happened after the cinema was renamed ‘ABC’. The cinema originally showed mainstream movies and other acts but since 1995 has predominately shown Bollywood movies, it has become one of the most popular Bollywood cinema’s in London.
(Image: Google)
