THE history of The Northwick cinema and theatre building is long and involved.

Like many buildings of this style, it has an impressive frontage and parts of the art deco interior are listed. The Northwick has a large number of admirers who want the Ombersley Road edifice to remain as it is.

But the economic reality is that no sensible use can be found for the building that will not involve a vast regeneration cost with no promise of financial stability at the end.

Its last heyday in the 1980s was when it became a high-profile venue for some of the rock world's top bands.

Despite the popularity of the venue with bands and fans alike, it also incurred the wrath of the local residents who became fed-up with the constant traffic and noise nuisance it brought to their neighbourhood.

When the curtain came down on this use in February 1997, plans and schemes came thick and fast.

But none of these various ideas has proved viable. In October 1997, the venue was put on the market, with an asking price of £700,000, and the dream of reopening the Northwick as a entertainment venue appeared to be dashed.

Now, the beleagured owner, Ian Perks, is looking to develop the site for housing.

Apparently, a precedent for a listed building making way for a block of flats has been set elsewhere in the country and he feels that this could be the breakthrough he needs.

It will come as a blow to the supporters of the Northwick and highlights the nub of the problem.

Whatever use is found for a building such as this, it is in the wrong location - slap bang in the middle of a residential estate.

It's a dilemma and no mistake.

At one stage there was a plan to develop the site for shops and offices using the present frontage and keeping the listed interior. Not a bad idea - but that came to nought

Sadly, at the moment, it looks like it could be curtains again for the Northwick!