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Campaigners Fight to Save Century-Old Cinema
10 Oct
Summary
- The Odeon in Beckenham will close its doors at the end of November.
- The building is owned by Citygate Church and may become a place of worship.
- Campaigners are rallying to keep the historic cinema operational.
A century-old cinema, the Odeon on Beckenham High Street, is set to close its doors permanently at the end of November. The cinema's operator has confirmed a voluntary commercial agreement with the building's landlord, signaling the end of its run.
The Grade II-listed building, originally opened in 1930 as the Regal Cinema, is owned by Citygate Church. The church intends to repurpose the historic site into a place of worship and a community hub.
This proposed transformation has sparked a strong reaction from local campaigners, including the Save Our Screen group, who are fighting to preserve the cinema's function. Residents have voiced their disappointment, viewing the closure as a considerable loss to the community's cultural landscape.
Efforts are underway to save the building, which boasts preserved Art Deco features. These include original foyer doors, plaster wave moulding, staircases, and the auditorium's proscenium arch, alongside elements of the original first-floor restaurant.
