Understand
Campaigners fight to save Beckenham's Grade II-listed Art Deco Odeon cinema
Overview
Campaigners in south-east London are fighting to save the century-old Beckenham Odeon after operators announced its closure at the end of November. The Grade II-listed building, originally opened as the Regal Cinema in 1930 and designed by architect Robert Cromie, is owned by Citygate Church, which plans to convert it into a place of worship and community space. While some residents view the closure as a significant loss to the community, others note the building is run-down. Local MPs and campaigners hope to preserve the cultural space.
Key points
- The Odeon cinema in Beckenham is set to close at the end of November following a voluntary commercial agreement between the operator and its landlord.
- The building is a Grade II-listed Art Deco structure designed by cinema architect Robert Cromie and opened in 1930 as the Regal Cinema.
- The site owner, Citygate Church, plans to transform the building into a place of worship and community space while restoring some Art Deco features.
- The 'Save Our Screen' campaign group is fighting to keep the building operating as a cinema.
- Local residents and campaigners have shared fond memories of the venue, highlighting its importance as a community space.
- Citygate Church is scheduled to hold a public consultation regarding the building's future.