Grade-II listed building could have mural painted on it

By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter

A mural could be painted on an historic Grade-II listed building in Greenwich.

Greenwich council has submitted plans to add a mural and heritage plaque to the west-facing wall of the Christ Faith Tabernacle in Powis Street, Woolwich.

The church, also known as the Ebenezer Building, was formerly a Granada Cinema, built in 1937.

The plans, submitted in partnership with Historic England, include a mural designed by local artists Lison Sabrina Musset and Joseph Ijoyemi, co-founders of The Collective Makers.

The group is a not-for-profit company aimed at helping local emerging artists become recognised.

Speaking about the project, Ms Musset and Mr Ijoyemi told said: “If approved, we are creating a community-led mural that will outline a timeline of what the building represented for Woolwich over the decades.

“We want to raise awareness for new/old local residents of its history and legacy.

“Like the original architects, our design will be a collaboration between us and the community.

“Our design will be unique – a blend of style and culture which reflects the mixity [sic] of communities and heritage Woolwich has. We will use bold colours to captivate drivers and pedestrians from far.”

The inside of the building was designed by Russian theatre director Theodore Komisarjevsky, with the interior still featuring a historic hall of mirrors.

According to planning documents, the plaque, if approved, will read: “Granada already had a reputation for designing some of Britain’s most glamorous cinemas, but this one was said to be the most romantic theatre ever built. It was 1937 – the golden age of cinema – and this 3,000-seat venue was Granada’s offering to Woolwich.”

A Greenwich council spokeswoman said: “As part of our plans to revitalise Woolwich, we have selected local artists to work together with the community and local groups to bring to life the story of its heritage and future.

“Subject to approval, the mural on Christ Faith Tabernacle is one of several, funded through the council’s partnership with Historic England, due to be unveiled in spring 2023 that will celebrate Woolwich’s historic high street, in a creative and unique way.”

A Historic England spokesman said: “This particular project, delivered with government funding, will engage with local residents and see local artists deliver colourful and creative artwork that celebrates the history of Woolwich’s high street.”

Pictured top: The front of the Ebenezer Building in Woolwich, which was previously a Granada cinema but is now a church for the Christ Faith Tabernacle (Picture: Google Street View)