Another proposal for the Empress Theatre
A community group has put together a proposal to revive NDG’s Empress Theatre, but proposals are cheap and the borough has already said there won’t be any money for the project. I wish them well, but it’s a long shot.
Raoul 08:03 on 2012/05/09 Permalink
They’ll probably turn it into a condo complex for the million immigrants the globe says we need to keep wages down
Kevin 13:40 on 2012/05/09 Permalink
This building has been deserted for so long I wonder why anyone cares anymore.
Which was probably the point in handing the building to a series of incompetents for decades.
Kate 15:26 on 2012/05/09 Permalink
People do care, though. People who want more cultural life in that part of NDG, people who remember when the Cinema V was a lively centre of activity.
NDG is bound to see something of a renaissance with the MUHC completion, the building of new condos along Sherbrooke near Decarie will densify the population and multiply the need for cultural establishments in the area. More people will move to the area to work at the MUHC and at businesses that will grow up to service it.
If the building has been neglected it may be partly because NDG has been perceived as a sort of anglo ghetto, a safe Liberal vote and thus not holding out much political leverage. The diversification and growth of the population will change that (as might general dissatisfaction with our Liberal parties, both federal and provincial – the area has an NDP MP now).
David Tighe 11:04 on 2012/05/10 Permalink
I think the idea of converting it to a west-side Beaubien is an excellent idea. How nice it would be to be able to walk to a decent film.