former Carlton Cinema, Islington

George Coles designed this fabulous Egyptian Temple which was constructed in North London in 1930.

It is the Grade II Listed former Carlton Cinema in Islington. In recent years it has been a bingo hall but was closed in March 2007.

In May 2007, the Islington Gazette reported that the interior had been trashed by hundreds of ravers who partied "like wild animals" during a 24-hour bender of drink, dance music and destruction.

Last month, theIslington Gazette again reported on the fate of the former Carlton cinema.

Newly-founded evangelical church Resurrection Manifestations wants to restore the 2,300-capacity building as a conference centre, cinema and community venue.

The church bought the building in 2007 and will build a contemporary seven-storey block of 44 flats at the back of the site to help pay for the work. Representatives of the church are quoted as wanting to return the building to its former glory.

This looks like a great compromise and plans for the redevelopment are due before Islington Council in December 2009.