HELP US SAVE THE OLD ODEON CINEMA IN CROUCH STREET FROM DEMOLITION.

 

In June 2013 it was announced that one of Colchester’s treasured buildings, now popularly known as the Old Odeon Cinema, faced demolition to make way for a new hotel and expensive flats.  The facade of the building is set to be demolished and a new one re-built, albeit identical (we assume to allowed large construction vehicles through to the site).  Its heart will be removed and replaced by a large imposing glass windowed building that will dominate the skyline of Colchester.  This will not be in keeping with the local archecture of Britain’s oldest recorded town.

 

We feel it would be a travesty that a large part of Colchester’s history be allowed to suffer this fate.  Instead, we propose that the cinema is restored to its former glory and used to be the venue of theatre, cinema, music, arts, and performances with the idea of attracting big names to perform in Colchester.   The nearest large venues are in Ipswich and Southend-On-Sea and it is about time that Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town and the creative hub of Essex, be allowed to further establish its place amongst the various arts and entertainments of 21st century Britain.

 

HISTORY

Designed by renowned British architect, Cecil Masey, a pupil of Bertie Crewe, a well-respected architect who’s CV.  boasts high profile theatres such as The Royal Court Theatre, The Lyceum, The Shaftesbury, Piccadilly Theatre and The Saville theatre in London respectively (all of which have had the honour of hosting biggest names in showbiz from the last 100 years).  Masey, himself, boasts an impressive resume of theatre and cinema designs across the UK.  The building features some wonderful Art-deco arctecture with a Spanish inspired façade.  The interior originally included a café and Wurlitzer organ. Construction began in 1930 and completed early the following year.  It opened to the public in February 1931 and christened ‘The Regent’ with seating for over 1,000 which introduced many to cinema for the first time. 

 

Renamed The Odeon seven years later, the cinema doubled as a theatre and had the honour of playing host to The Rolling Stones early in their career.  Over the years its interior has undergone several changes including additional screens. 

 

Rather poignantly, given today’s economic climate, the cinema was likely to be the  main source of entertainment during the end of the recession of the 1930s,  where even people with little money would spend their well-earned wages to use the latest films as a form of escapism. In World War II, this would have been the venue where people would see newsreels keeping them up to date with events on the continent and in the far east. 

 

For 70 years it was been a place where thousands of people have enjoyed the latest cinema has to offer.   In the early 2000’s the building was left to decay after its owners moved the venue to Head Street. 

 

  It’s our suggestion that it is to be revived as a public entertainments centre as a tribute to its once glorious past.  This cinema is more than just a building; it is a part of history and people lives. 

 

 

The new building will tower over many buildings and will be an eyesore.  It will blot the Colchester skyline and what is more, will not be accessible to the general public.