The Point’s developers are facing a looming expiry date over the multi-million-pound redevelopment plans.
The Point was once the centre for all things entertainment. The £7.5 million building opened in 1985 and was home to not only one of the UK’s first multiplex cinemas but also a games arcade, a bingo hall and a nightclub too.
However, after nearly 30 years, the building had become outdated and funding towards the once busy family entertainment complex was near to non-existent after struggling to compete with the nearby Xscape which featured a more lucrative 16 screen multiplex.
In March 2014, Milton Keynes Council approved plans by the building’s owners Hammerson to demolish 
and redevelop the now outdated entertainment complex.
The plans include the iconic red pyramid being demolished and replaced by a new design named 'The Piano'. This design would include a modern vertical black and white stripe pattern, hence the name, alongside retail and new up-to-date leisure facilities.
However, no work has yet taken place, and the current planning permission is set to expire on 11th March.
The developers, Hammerson, have not applied for an extension.
A spokesperson for Hammerson explains: “The Plans for the leisure and retail development were created in a very different environment to the one we are in now and we are currently considering next steps for the site.”
Since the acceptance of planning permission from Milton Keynes Council, the plans have been largely protested and rejected by some, with petitions and groups launched to ‘save the point’, due to its history.
At the time of writing (28/2) one petition stands at 4,409 signatures in defence of saving the current standing entertainment complex and another is standing at 1,777 signatures.
Even though previously the building has been denied listed Grade II status by Historic England on the grounds of it lacking architectural merit, many campaigners are asking for it to be left as it stands in its red pyramid exterior and to only revive the inside with new facilities.
With no set date for demolition to take place, it is unlikely that Hammerson will be able to make a start on the plans by the date of expiry.
If no development has started by the 11th March, a new application would need to be submitted and with thousands of people campaigning to save the building, this arguably could have a huge impact on the subject of any future submitted applications which could possibly change the fate of The Point once and for all.
