No church at Woolwich cinema but new shopping at The O2 (From News Shopper)

No church at Woolwich cinema but new shopping at The O2

3:30pm Friday 6th July 2012 in News By Mark Chandler

A CHURCH group has seen its plans to convert a former cinema and bingo hall into a place of worship defeated.

Christ Faith Tabernacle Church, based in New Cross, had planned to convert Woolwich's Grade II* listed Granada Theatre building.

Along with worship, the group - which has a 4,000 congregation - planned social meetings, literacy programmes and job training at the venue.

But a planning board ruled the application did not show the building would benefit local people.

In a separate application, the same board approved plans for a 'retail outlet village' created in the grounds of The O2 featuring 13,500 square metres of retail floorspace.

It must now be referred to the Mayor Of London for final approval.