Protect the Plex: film fans in bid to save cinema
TWO friends have launched a campaign to save the much-loved Peckhamplex cinema from future redevelopment.
Ola Foyemi and Cullen Farleigh, both 22, are behind #SaveThePlex, which warns that the cinema could face demolition if proposals in the New Southwark Plan, the council’s development strategy, are approved.
Peckhamplex, which offers cheap movie tickets, shares a multi-storey building with summer hangout Frank’s Café and arts group Bold Tendencies, which are in a disused car park and both face closure under the plan.
Mr Foyemi and Mr Farleigh, who met at the University of Lincoln and work in advertising, are publicising their campaign with film-style posters and a spoof trailer with clips from Attack The Block and Kidulthood.
“We hope people will watch it [the trailer] and remember watching these films in the Plex or get nostalgic about it in general,” Mr Foyemi said. “Then hopefully they will sign our petition and get involved in fighting these proposals.” He said he grew up watching movies at Peckhamplex — which had “birthed his appreciation for film” — and the threat to the cinema was “the latest sign of gentrification”.
Mark Williams, Southwark council cabinet member for regeneration and new homes, said: “Peckhamplex is a very popular local venue and we want to see them continue in Peckham.
“We have signed new leases with all of the current occupants of the car park building, at the same time we are consulting on the long-term plan for the future of the site — which we think should include a strong cultural, creative and artistic presence.”
The New Southwark Plan is out for consultation until today. The campaign can be supported at peckhamvision. wixsite.com/peckhammultistorey