Historic Listing Bid for Britain’s First Multiplex Cinema Rejected
An effort to preserve Britain’s first multiplex cinema, The Point, by securing listed status to prevent its demolition has been unsuccessful.
The Point, which originally opened in Milton Keynes in 1985, ceased operations after screening its final film in 2015.
The Twentieth Century Society and the Cinema Theatre Association advocated for the building’s protection, citing its historical significance in the evolution of cinema venues.
However, Historic England informed the society that the multiplex concept was pioneered in the United States rather than Britain, and therefore the site was deemed "not of national significance."
Nearly 500 residential flats are planned for construction on the former cinema site.
If granted listed status, alterations by developers would have been considerably restricted.
The Point’s Legacy and Redevelopment Plans
The Point was developed by the US company AMC as an initiative to introduce American-style multiplex cinemas to UK audiences.
Inside the complex were 10 screens, several restaurants, a disco, and a bingo hall.
Following a planning appeal, Galliard Holdings Ltd (GHL) received approval to proceed with its proposal to build 487 flats across four buildings, some reaching up to 21 storeys, on the site.
Milton Keynes Council initially opposed the replacement of the glass pyramid structure, which was once the tallest building in the city, citing concerns about preserving the city’s heritage.
Reactions from Local Officials and Heritage Groups
Labour council leader Pete Marland expressed his views on the decision, stating:
"It is widely acknowledged that The Point saved cinema in this country and changed how people view going to watch a film.
"I find it bizarre to state, [that] because a trend started in another country, then it is less important.
"If this were the case you can de-list all the gothic cathedrals because they were ideas imported from the Norman-French or all our neo-classical buildings because they emerged from Greece.
"I do believe their is an inherent anti-post war bias in many of these decisions."
Historic England’s guidance now prohibits The Point from being considered for listing for another five years.
The organisation noted that the building had undergone extensive alterations over time, with very few original features remaining, and therefore it did not meet the high threshold required for national listing.
The Twentieth Century Society stated it will continue advocating for a redevelopment plan that pragmatically retains the pyramid structure while redeveloping the adjoining cinema hall and multi-storey car park.
The BBC has contacted Galliard Holdings Ltd for comment.
Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on , Facebook, Instagram and X.
