British property development company Hammerson have recently announced that they will be selling one of the most iconic buildings in Milton Keynes.
Hammerson has put forwards plans to sell the building, describing the site as a "brownfield redevelopment opportunity" with the potential to construct 450 flats.
Save The Point MK, one of the most prominent campaigns behind preserving the building, took to social media to denounce these plans. Giving their thoughts about the proposition they noted that "this kind of redevelopment must be prevented."
The Point initially opened in 1985 and has often been praised as an iconic local landmark for its unique eye-catching design. It was the UK’s first multiplex cinema and at the height of its popularity also housed a games arcade, nightclub and a bingo hall.
As the site has stood for over 30 years, it is no surprise that lots of people in Milton Keynes have fond lifelong memories attached with the Point, earning it a sense of cultural significance in the area.
In 2012, the building’s owners Hammerson put forward a proposal to demolish the building which was later approved by Milton Keynes Council.
However, planning permission for this expired in March earlier this year and Hammerson did not seek to apply for an extension. It now seems they wish to sell the site on, rather than convert it into a leisure facility as previously planned.
Many local residents have been keen to prevent the building from being knocked down. An online petition was launched, which has recently worked its way up to over 4,400 signatures.
Campaigners have been proposing to leave the building as it stands and instead convert the interior to a new shopping mall which would also include restaurants and leisure facilities.
READ MORE - The rise and fall of Central Milton Keynes most iconic landmark - The Point
