Demolition of Twentieth Century House in Soho Square
19 January 2023
Royal London has withdrawn the application for Demolition and appointed new consultants.
14 February 2022
Do sign our petition here to ask Royal London to withdraw its planning application and work with the council and the community on refurbishing the building and finding a tenant that values its history.
Here is the environmental report showing the massive amount of CO2 that get’s released in a demolition cf refurb.
Key Take away …
What is demonstrated in both the ‘Planning scheme’ and ‘Option 2’ is that major reconstruction on tight urban sites is not efficient from either a carbon or resource efficiency perspective. Provided the buildings are not beyond economic reuse (which these are clearly not) retrofit is clearly the optimum carbon option. This may not be consistent with achieving the most profitable outcome for the site owner, but it is consistent with the needs of society in the context of a climate crisis.
1 December 2021
No date for the planning meeting yet. Royal London have produced an environmental impact report and we have responded. In short there is 9.6 million tonnes of emitted CO2 difference between refurbishment and demolish/rebuild.
23 June 2021 We don’t know when the planning meeting to consider the application will take place - possibly July or September. The council have asked the applicant to make a further submission on the environmental impact which is required under the new City Plan adopted in April. Once we have that we will likely make further submissions.
21 May - we are getting some professional reports written on the environmental and heritage issues. If you would like to help with the costs of doing this please make a donation. Thank you.
18 May 2021
Henry Scott-Irvine has done this playlist of music linked to 20th Century House.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBFZyHeJNV4&list=PLs12tjSernhtyfK-wI0CmfwRI1dpQTdFB&index=4
7 May 2021
We thought you might want to see this nice letter from Jeff Thompson, former archivist for the Twentieth Century Fox Film Company.
Dear Council of Westminster:
I am writing this letter in support of saving Twentieth Century House not only because it is an important site to the history of Twentieth Century Fox but also to the British film industry as a whole.
Almost a century ago, Fox Film Corporation made the bold move of setting up international offices in an effort to make and promote films around the world. The United Kingdom was an obvious choice due to the lack of language barrier and the constant flow of British talent to and from Hollywood. Choosing a smart location, Fox would install itself in Soho Square and remain there for almost a century. In addition to being a hub of film activity, that London location was forever memorialized at the famous Twentieth Century Fox “Café de Paris” commissary in Los Angeles in the 1930s as part of the mural depicting the studio’s international outposts (see attached picture). Twentieth Century House is an important locale due to the fact that many important films were developed, promoted, and distributed from these premises. Beginning in the 1930s, Fox became heavily invested in making British films and made a colorful mark on British film history by bringing the first Technicolor movie filmed in the UK -- Wings of the Morning (1937), starring Henry Fonda and Annabella -- to the screen. Fox continued to make distinctly British fare by showcasing Gracie Fields’ talents in We’re Going To Be Rich (1938) and Smiling Along (1939); boosting Carol Reed’s prestige with Night Train to Munich (1940); and The Remarkable Mr. Kipps (1941); and had fun with Gordon Harker and Alastair Sim in several Inspector Hornleigh films.
During the post-war period, Twentieth Century House would really shine as the center of production for a myriad of film achievements. In the 1950s, Fox again captivated British audiences by introducing them to “CinemaScope” with the Vivien Leigh film The Deep Blue Sea (1955), the first film shot in widescreen in the UK. Fox produced ambitious period pieces like Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines (1965) and A High Wind to Jamaica (1965); created fascinating character studies like The Mudlark (1950) with Irene Dunne as Queen Victoria and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) with Maggie Smith as the irrepressible school teacher (which won her an Oscar); fostered clever comedies like Modesty Blaise (1966) and the original Bedazzled (1967) with Dudley Moore and Peter Cook (and Raquel Welch!); and reached celestial highs with James Stewart and Marlene Dietrich in thrillers like No Highway in the Sky (1950) and devilish lows with Gregory Peck and Lee Remick in The Omen (1976), to name a few. But perhaps most relevant to today’s film audiences is the fact that Twentieth Century House is where the logistics for the filming in the UK of the original Star Wars (1977) would have been handled. The production decisions, the travel arrangements, the studio administration, and the promotional activities in the UK would have all occurred within those walls. In fact, the publicity and distribution of all Fox films in the UK from the 1930s to the present would have emanated from here as well – the movies of Shirley Temple, Marilyn Monroe, The Sound of Music, Alien, and all of the X-Men films. If it was a Fox film, it passed through Soho Square!
I learned from my colleagues who worked at Twentieth Century House that, from time-to-time over the past few decades, there was discussion of moving the Fox headquarters to a new location in London but it never happened because of the historical connection. Fox had been at Soho Square so long that it was inconceivable that it could be somewhere else: Twentieth Century House was Fox in London – and so they stayed. Even though Twentieth Century Fox is now just a part of history, it seems even more relevant to maintain this unique British film history site.
In addition to its film connection, let me add that it would be a shame for Westminster to lose such a lovely building as Twentieth Century House. I spent a summer working in London a few years back and it remains one of my favorite cities. Many an evening I found myself wandering the quaint streets and squares. It really bothered me to see old London replaced with architecture that seems so incongruous. For example, I distinctly remember visiting Berkeley Square for the first time and being shocked to see that a modern building had been allowed to be built on one of the city’s most picturesque squares. Don’t they know, I asked myself, that people travel from far and wide with the hope of hearing a nightingale sing there and that a new building really affects the aesthetic? If the last century has taught us anything regarding city planning it is that steel and glass do not a beautiful city make. I hope the council decides to save Twentieth Century House from demolition and continues to protect the unique character of Soho Square.
Sincerely, Jeffrey Paul Thompson
Twentieth Century Fox archivist (2005-2016)
Co-author of the official corporate history "Twentieth Century Fox: A Century of Entertainment"
4 May 2021
A number of people are having problems with the Council’s planning website which appears not to work reliably. If you have difficulty submitting a comment you can e-mail the case officer directly.
Here is the clip from ITV news from 3 May 2021.
29 April 2021
We have four days to save 20th Century House in Soho Square from demolition. The council may approve the demolition at its meeting on 8 June though it has not made a final decision. If you want to object you must do so by close of business on 4 May 2021.
You need to find the application on the Westminster’s Planning website, register and file a comment objecting to the application.
The reference is 19/04164/FULL.
21 April 2021
The planning committee meeting to discuss the application to demolish the building is likely to be 8 June 2021. Any further evidence from the public on the heritage status of the building will have to be with the council by 17 May 2021. The council’s report to the committee recommended demolition last year and although the report will be updated before the June meeting we doubt whether its recommendation will change. There remains a presumption against demolition in the council’s own policy unless the building has a “negative or neutral impact” on the conservation area. How this can be said about this 1937 building with deep connections to the film industry in Soho remains a mystery. If you want to campaign to save the building please get in touch. The council has allocated the Society 3 minutes to speak at the committee meeting.
30 November 2020
The large circular neon sign was removed from the building over the weekend of 28/29 November 2020. We are worried that Disney and Royal London will now destroy it. Please sign this petition if you think it should be saved.
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-the-twentieth-century-fox-sign-in-soho-square
10 September 2020
We thought you might want to see the letter we sent to the planning committee raising concerns with the planning officers’ report to the committee.
We hope that the report will now be rewritten to more accurately reflect the Council’s policy.
The simple point is that WCC’s own guidance on buildings of merit in a conservation area (such as this building) is that there is a presumption against demolition unless the development would enhance the conservation area. The previous report fails to make this sufficiently clear. No one understands why demolition, a partially retained facade and the destruction of the integrity of the historic Soho Square “enhances” the conservation area.
POLICY DES 9: CONSERVATION AREAS
(B) Planning applications involving demolition in conservation areas
1) Buildings identified as of local architectural, historical or topographical interest in adopted conservation area audits will enjoy a general presumption against demolition.
2) Development proposals within conservation areas, involving the demolition of unlisted buildings, may be permitted:
a) If the building makes either a negative or insignificant contribution to the character or appearance of the area, and/or
b) If the design quality of the proposed development is considered to result in an enhancement of the conservation area’s overall character or appearance, having regard to issues of economic viability, including the viability of retaining and repairing the existing building
3) In any such case, there should also be firm and appropriately detailed proposals for the future viable redevelopment of the application site that have been approved and their implementation assured by planning condition or agreement.
27 August 2020
The application was withdrawn at the last minute on a “technicality”. We will endeavour to let you know when the application is to be heard by the committee.
18 July 2020
Council planning officers have recommended the building for demolition despite the building being in the Conservation Area. The Committee meeting is on 21 July 2020 at 6.30pm.
You can see the papers here.
You can join the committee meeting and watch and listen to the proceedings here.
This is our view on the why the report fails to accurately summarise the relevant policies - including the council’s own policies.
24 June 2020
These are the Soho Society’s comments on the planning application.
Planning application 19/04164/FULL
You can comment here https://www.westminster.gov.uk/planning-applications-decisions-archived-records
20th Century House - Vandalism goes unpunished
We reported this to the police. Initially Royal London said they would help find the lettering and re-instate it. However we now understand that Royal London have refused to engage with the police investigation which means the investigation has been stopped before any conclusion could be reached.
Royal London had previously told us it did have access to video tapes so it could have helped the police if it wanted to. We note that this property investment company is quite happy for vandalism to go ahead unpunished if it’s a building they that want to demolish. We think this is shameful behaviour. No planning permission for demolition has been given.
The lettering from the front of the portico has been removed. This is pretty disappointing behaviour from Disney or possibly Royal London - we are checking which. The building dates back to 1937 and the damage to Soho’s film heritage is permanent. The question now arises as to what will happen to the neon sign at the top of the building. If anyone from Disney is reading would they contact the Society or the Museum of Soho before they destroy that as well. We would like to find it a home.
5 March 2020
This is the new proposal from the applicant Royal London. It shows a partial retention of the facade.
20 February 2020
Historic England has decided not to support the listing application. Big disappointment.
This is the report.
We will now have to deal with the planning application.
1 December 2019.
Historic England has completed its report on the building and we are in the process of commenting on it - the next step is for Historic England to make a decision on the listing.
There is a change.org petition addressed to Historic England here.
If you want to help save the building please help get in touch to help with the campaign. admin@thesohosociety.org.uk
Here are the two reports prepared by our expert on the building.
Here is our note on the history of Twentieth Century Fox in Soho and our paper on the British Films associated with Fox.
Here is our consultant talking about the building on the World Service.
You can sign a petition here. You can download our flyer here.
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14 August 2019 - Royal London has refused to withdraw its application and is continuing discussions behind closed doors with Westminster City Council as to how they can get their scheme through despite the large local and national opposition to it. One of our ward councillors, Pancho Lewis, has supported our campaign but the other two, Jonathan Glanz and Tim Barnes are firmly in the developer’s camp and continue to support the demolition of the building - despite it being in the Conservation Area and being a building of merit on the Council’s own assessment. They argue that there is no economic use for the building in its current form. This seems unlikely. We think demolition puts short term private profit over the longer term interests of maintaining Soho’s history and heritage.
Royal London have also refused our offer of help to find a new tenant for the building in its current form.
Meanwhile, 1,500 people have signed our Chage.org petition.
Here is a small sample of the people who we know have been associated with the building:-
The Society is aware of proposals to demolish the South West corner of Soho Square, 20th Century House and a large chunk of Frith Street, the creation of a new pedestrian retail area and a new corner entrance to Soho Square.
You can look at the proposals in detail on the Council’s planning website. We asked for full elevations comparing the proposed with the existing and this is what we have been sent.
You can comment to the Council. We at the Soho Society would like to hear your views as well.
The Society wrote to the freeholder, Royal London, on 13 June, to suggest a reprieve during which we work to find a use for the existing building. At our 24 June meeting the freeholder agreed to look at a possible refurbishment of the building instead of demolition. So it’s more important than ever that we help find them a tenant for this building. For a new tech company to inherit 80 years of film history in one go seems like a bargain to us.
Century House 31 - 32 Soho Square London W1D 3AP
Ref. No: 19/04164/FULL | Received: Wed 29 May 2019 | Validated: Wed 29 May 2019 | Status: Pending
Here are some of the comments from our petition:-
"Having spent 19 years as councillor for Soho trying to preserve its historic value which is ostensibly part of WCC’s Soho Plan I do not want see it become Soho New Town, all it’s iconic buildings razed and replaced by modern architecture which will make it indistinguishable from any other city and will destroy its unique visitor or resident value"
"This building is perfectly functional and historically linked to the film industry in Soho."
"The 20th C Fox building has a great part of London’s West end film history - it marks a development in the UKs significant historical role as a global player in the last century of film development. I also feel it will destroy the beauty of one of London’s oldest Squares and cultural inheritance. Once gone - it will be a sore absence"
"The film industry is an integral part of Soho and demolishing this building would further diminish the character of this unique part of London."
"Soho has great history"
"The wanton destruction of Soho’s Character by unscrupulous developers must stop."
"I lived in Soho for many years. It is a very special area."
"Too much of Soho's character has already been wiped away by poor planning choices, greedy developers and a lack of any awareness of the make up of the residents and businesses that give Soho its unique character, this would be yet another knife in the back."
"its important!"
"Most of the film industry are leaving Soho, all change and not in a good way!"
"Enough!"
"This building is part of a conservation area which research shows benefits the community and the city's cultural value outweighing the economic value over time. If the building is preserved rather than destroyed it would benefit the owner and the area as a luxury hotel with its historical value in tact ."
"The people who live and work in Soho do not want the area to look like a small imitation American town, but the historic iconic square it is."
"Zthis building is part of Soho's history, and therefore of London's."
"This building is crucial to the character of the neighbourhood. The proposed new development could be in Croydon :("
"We have a duty to future generations to maintain the history of our great city. It is beyond belief that this building should be torn down to be replaced by a horrible indistinct modern monstrosity"
"We’ve already lost too much of London’s history to corporate greed and, quite simply, enough is enough."
"Sick of seeing the heart and history ripped out of the city."
"We're loosing so much of our culture and neighborhoods because of redevelopment. Soho Square is cool just the way it is."
"slowly but surely anything with a bit of character & history is being torn down in soho, to make way for bland replacements that can be found anywhere. Please refuse the application"
"This is a building with extraordinary historic links to one of Soho's traditional industries, the film business. It was opened in 1938, just a few years after Twentieth Century and Fox had merged. The architecture is completely in harmony with the surrounding buildings in Soho Square, and many major figures from the film business, both local and international, have passed through its doors. There is a real case to be made for retaining this iconic building, rather than losing yet another Soho landmark and subjecting residents and workers to at least two years - and very likely more, on current form from developers in the area - of demolition and construction. The environmental impact alone is bad enough, but to then have yet another bland, soulless structure imposed in what is officially designated a conservation area is yet another blow to one of London's most unique and characterful areas."
"We need to retain our heritage"
"The destruction of historic London is a self-defeating cultural disaster."
"I love Soho"
"As a resident of Frith Street I oppose this development. We have had enough disruption to our daily lives over many years from major building work such as the Crossrail-related development in around Soho Square in particular where 20th Century House is located. The last thing that the residents and businesses who live and work and pay taxes around Soho Square need is yet another demolition and rebuild project that will mean loads of lorries on our narrow streets, not to mention all the noise and blocking of roads and pavements that go along with large developments. We have had enough of these developments that serve the few while everyone else who lives and works around the private development suffers while the work goes on; NO residents or businesses have demanded a 'public realm and a new route lining Soho Square and Dean Street' so what is that about? The building faces Soho Square... in case the architects have never visited the site (seriously), Soho Square is a public realm unlike some other WCC squares"
"Why would you destroy such a building ??"
"History needs to be preserved not destroyed, to build new developments!"
"It's an iconic, good looking little building that is very much part of Soho Square- I used to go there often as a Willam Morris client years ago."
"I care"
"Preserve our buildings ♥️"
"It's so important to preserve our heritage for future generation's and prevent further demolotion"
"Soho is unique"
"It is a reasonable request of the developers, for a piece of history - surely there is a way that works for everyone."
"I’m signing because these buildings should be kept not destroyed."
"Royal Londons proposal is totally out of keeping with the neighbouring buildings and if allowed to proceed will see the destruction of an iconic building and damage the aesthetic of Soho Square"
"It’s of historic and cultural value"
"The historical integrity of the square needs to be preserved. This is our shared cultural heritage."
"All buildings must be demolished whenever male property developers want to create more eyesores by claiming 'we are re-developing this area so that we can increase our huge male profits!' I demand Downing Street buildings be demolished and hotels built instead!"
"Please stop destroying Soho's beautiful historic buildings and its culture."
"Soho's charm needs preserving! x"
"This is an iconic building of the film industry within Soho and a great example of a 1930’s original design which must be preserved as a feature of the importance film history has played in this area."
"Having worked in the film industry all my life, writhing to Twentieth Century Fox at school at this iconic address : becoming a client in the late 1990's and witnessing superb screenings in the main room , it is an iconic building with a history that shows the growth of Soho in the 1930's as the UK became a powerhouse of distribution and film-making to a massive degree : it would be an absolute shame to lose such an iconic building with such a superb heritage : and it is in Soho Square with it's heritage of The BBFC, St Patricks, L'eglise Protestant Francaise, etc etc !"
"The cultural heritage of Soho is being demolished and nothing of any lasting value is replacing it. This building forms an historic corner of Soho’s Most famous square and Soho Square will be a lesser place if the application is not rejected. That is a lesser place for residents, office dwellers and visitors alike. The development serves no useful purpose other than for contractors and we have more than our fair share of them already."
"The historical significance of this building with the film industry and demolition would ruin Soho Square."
"Because I care about London."
"Is nothing sacred anymore?"
"It’s iconic. Part of film history and part of Soho past and should play a part in the future of Soho. Shame on the owner."
"Not on really."
"Soho square.does.not.need a modern.bland.building replacing one steaming in history"
"Don't destroy our heritage."
"We need to preserve London's heritage. This building contributes to the history and heritage of Soho Square."
"This is the epitome of thoughtless and narrow-minded attitudes of developers in general, it seems. I should not need to explain the significance of this building in terms of cinema history, London and specifically, Soho heritage. This should for so many reasons be a listed building and I intend to write to Historic England to encourage such protection. To demolish this very important building would not only be disrespectful to the culture of film and architecture but a blow to conservation in an historic and mostly unspoilt square of central London. Do NOT demolish this building!!"
"It’s an iconic part of Soho Square. So much of Soho is being destroyed for no good reason. History is being wiped out for the sake if corporate greed. "
"This is madness."
"C20th Fox is a part of the Soho Square environment and character. To demolish it would be to damage the character of this much loved London sauare"
"We don’t need another office block replacing a beautiful building of heritage."
"Please stop the blandifying of London!! This building is part of our culture."
"It is an iconic building, a unique part of the history of the film world in Soho, in a conservation area and should be preserved."
"I used to work there. It is a fine building"
"It’s a special place ."
"Fed up with wealthy landowners demolishing buildings for greed and spoiling our great heritage of well designed and historic sites"
"We need to stop developers destroying our architectural history."
"Too much of old Soho has already gone!"
"It's part of the history of the film industry I Soho"
"Most of Soho culture and architectural heritage has been destroyed by greedy developers, hands off!"
"WCC seems intent on destroying Soho. This petition sadly will have no effect whatsoever."
"There is no good reason to demolish this historic building that is within a conservation area. Building work will blight the area."
"Because of this building's links with the film industry and thus with Soho's historic connections and distinctive character. We deserve better than yet another office block and retail outlets that could be anywhere"
"because buildings like this deserve to be saved"
"This is an iconic building for film fans don’t demolish it for another faceless office block"
"James Mellon."
"It's tie developers stopped destroying Soho."
"The historical and cultural value of this building is reason enough. But on top of that, its representation of an important period of architecture is a very good reason for it to stay. Let the owners look for another place to ‘develop’."
"The historical and cultural value of this building is reason enough. But on top of that, its representation of an important period of architecture is a very good reason for it to stay. Let the owners look for another place to ‘develop’."
"The historical and cultural value of this building is reason enough. But on top of that, its representation of an important period of architecture is a very good reason for it to stay. Let the owners look for another place to ‘develop’."
"We are so quick destroy our heritage, we should cherish it & be proud of it, why destroy these beautiful buildings."
"This erosion of history needs to stop"
"London does not need another faceless office block and must retain its quirky originality and past architecture to still be London. That’s why people come here. Wake up."
"This is a part of our heritage and must be protected!!"
"This is a building we shouldn’t loose"
"I love buildings with an interesting past."
"Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Our heritage. Our history."
"It is important to maintain the character of this great area of London"
"It's a beautiful building and should be preserved."
"Soho Square has a particular character and the 20th Century building is a unique part of that, as well as its connections with the British film industry being of historical interest. It would show complete disregard for future generations to allow it to be replaced by an identikit office block."
"Stop this destruction! We should be preserving not destroying."
"Too much of Soho is disappearing under unsympathetic and large scale development. It is cheaper and easier for developers to just rip out buildings and it seems very little attention paid to, or sympathy or appreciation given to our heritage or to the proportions of our small and ancient streets . As a long term resident it has proved to be very trying and depressing trying to get on with life amidst full scale multiple developments - and to cope with endless ongoing cross rail as well. At the very least the frontage and respect to our film business history should be maintained."
"We're losing everything that makes Soho (and London) unique and replacing it with low quality, souless, slums of tomorrow."
"I am signing the petition because I work at 20th Century Fox and I want this building to be saved because of its 1930's history. Please don't destroy this building and erase our history and allow corporate greed to get the better of us."
"Not only have I had the pleasure to work in this building I also believe it will be sad if demolished!"
"This building is reflective of so much more than just a building. It stands proudly as an integral part of a historical part of LONDON that is rapidly diminishing. It’s seamless in It’s current design & aesthetic with the local area. It stands proudly as a monument to the best, the uniqueness that was the motion picture & entertainment industry. It should be cherished, retrofitted & invested in. Of historical significance for all to enjoy for years to come."
"This iconic building is not only a landmark in London, it’s a huge piece of film history"
"This is a piece of film history and should be preserved"
"It’s of incredible historical significance not only of Soho, but if London!"
"I’m signing this recognising this building is the last iconic Hollywood representation responsible for producing and distributing the best, most influential, aspiring and important films ever made."
"This building is a place of film history and must be retained."
"I think this is a gorgeous building which really suits the area it’s in. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it!! Let’s keep the character of this unique area."
"It's a beautiful, historic building that adds character to the area and holds a great deal of history. It deserves to be saved from demolition."
"This an iconic building and a beautiful corner of Soho square to lose the history is shameful and a crime for future generations let’s stop making London a giant Mall"
"This building is part of the history of the film industry, both international and domestic, as well as part of our architectural and cultural history and should be preserved."
"This will begin the end of London’s film Centre. Soho Square, at its heart this iconic building. Soho Square has always been seen as the heartbeat of central London and it’s vibrant film community. Whoever thought of knocking it out and replacing with glass and chrome , has no concept of the importance of film, Soho, and the history and power this building emanates to our vital industry. Shame on the person who wants to replace this beautiful meaningful building, with glass and chrome office blocks. There should be a national debate on renovating historic parts of London and the UK. Whoever thought of this plan, has no understanding of the concept of the importance of film, Soho, the history and power that springs from vital industry. Shame on the individual who wants to replace this beautiful meaningful architecture, with glass and chrome office blocks."
"There’s far too much film history in the U.K. relating to this building for it to be destroyed. Future generations should be allowed the opportunity to say they once worked at Fox HQ. It’s not just a building. It really isn’t. Nick"
"This is such a historic building please save it . Is such a iconic building and tribute to the film industry don't demolish another iconic building"
"This is a landmark building - please don’t demolish"
"This is my place of work but more than that it is a monument to 20th Century Fox's history. It still has a story to tell long after the business has left the Square.......save it please!!!!!!"
"This iconic building is part of film and Soho history"
"Soho is an area of rich and varied culture and history. An area in the centre of London where anything was possible and everyone was welcome. However now, with every new development, Soho appears to be losing whatever it is that makes it unique. I fear that is developers are allowed to get their hands on listed buildings then there will be no more opportunities to stop soho descending into being an area of posh flats brought up as parts of property portfolios that add nothing back to the local area choking the community out of existence."
"Please keep this iconic building."
"I'm signing because this building is as much as part of Soho as 20th Century Fox has been for decades. Please don't. Enough buildings and businesses have been demolished in the area!!!"
"I used to work there and it’s a beautiful building"
"the building is very much a big part of the film industry as well as Soho itself."
"Come on it's at least 89 years old and a Landmark in the inner City of London! It has to stay no matter who is renting the house!"
"This is such an iconic piece of film/movie history the square just wouldn’t be the same. I’ve enjoyed many films there. Please don’t destroy it."
"This is an iconic building within Soho Square, and the area of Soho and it's association within the film industry. I have attended many meetings and screenings in the building during my 25 years in the film & video industry. It should remain intact."
"Film is the soul of Soho Square and 20th Century Fox its soulmate since film came to the UK in the 1930s. Losing this building would be a huge cultural and historical loss for Soho, London and the UK. For sure the building inside needs to go, but keep the facade, the signage and the name for posterity and our shared cultural heritage for centuries to come."
"It's a part of the culture of our film and creative industry and could easily be used in its current form a plethora of ways."
"Having worked there for 6 years, it’s a beautiful building and should be saved!"
"Visited there many times for 'staff screenings' when a friend worked there. Great historic building. Iconic for the film industry in London. Shouldn't be allowed to become a bland nondescript building."
"Worked there many years ago"
"As a former employee of 20th Century Fox, I am signing in hopes that the facade of the building can be protected for its cultural and historical significance. The building is so iconic and the company has produced films that have impacted generations of people. What a shame it would be to just erase it from existence."
"I worked there for many years and it’s a stunning iconic building!"
"During the 20th Century Soho was the home of the UK film industry 20th Century House is the last remains of that industry based in Soho. Used to walk down Soho streets in the 80s and 90s with my trolley loaded with 35mm prints going to Leicester Square or preview theatres around Soho and it was the home of film but then Warner moved to Holborn Rank were sold and then Wardour News shut last year. Soho is now unrecognisable to what it used to be but 20th Century House still remained stood tall for over 80 years in Soho Square."
"The building is a piece of history - lets not turn everything with a history and past into soulless & characterless developments. There's already been enough of that in Soho over the past decade."
"It’s an iconic landmark in soho and must be preserved."
"The building is within a conservation area and its heritage is deeply connected to the arts en entertainment world associated with the area. The replacement building is clearly not in keeping with these attributes. I don't think the development is an appropriate proposal for this area and does not, in my view, add anything to the area. The existing building is part of the special fabric"
"This is an important and historic building that is in keeping with its surroundings. Soho Square is one of the most iconic and important squares in the area and deserves buildings that are in keeping with its heritage. What it does not need is yet another modern box."
"Marilyn Monroe stayed here! Her dressing room is wood panelled and still largely unchanged"
"This is a marvelous historical building and should be revered as it is. Not demolished."
"You can save cultural heritages now or never"
"Stop destroying this once great city, and replacing it will tat, just so you can build more apartments for the millionaires of the world."
"I worked here for four years and love this building. Soho is constantly evolving yet many elements remain the same and it's that mix of old and new that makes it so special."
"I used to work there! Don’t want another part of my history obliterated!"
"Don't destroy these beautiful buildings"
"We can’t afford to lose historic London just to make way for soulless commercial buildings."