Auditorium retained in radical transformation

Assael Architecture has completed a £15 million conversion of the former Granada Cinema in Clapham, south London.

The grade II listed building was restored and partially converted into 59 apartments, commercial space and an auditorium.

Niall Cairns, director at Assael, said: “The cinema is a magnificent example of [Theodore] Komisarjevsky’s work as a designer. The only viable solution had to be carefully engineered to extend the building’s lifespan while also protecting the auditorium and minimising the impact redevelopment would have on the interior.”

John Assael, managing director at Assael, added: “Finding alternative uses for old listed cinemas without breaking them up to create a multiplex is very challenging, but by carefully integrating a mix of uses, this project has given the building a new lease of life.”