Cheshire West and Chester council has agreed to buy the city’s former Odeon cinema from its Barnsley-based owner, The Brook Group.
The council is considering transforming the historic building, which closed as a cinema in 2007, into a theatre.
The move follows a public outcry after the current owner of the site recently applied for planning consent to transform it into a leisure scheme, featuring a late-night bar.
The art deco Grade II listed building on Northgate Street is one of two preferred sites for Chester’s proposed new theatre, although the council is undertaking feasibility studies. A recent feasibility study identified a car park site known as the little Roodee as the other potential site for the theatre.
In June, planning permission was refused for a scheme by south Yorkshire-based Hunter Street for shops, a cafe, reestaurant, pub and cinema/theatre on the Odeon site.
Mike Jones, leader of Cheshire West and Chester council, said: “The Odeon’s position in the Chester city centre means that the building will have an important role in the development of the all-important One City Plan. Our officers will now be instructed to finalise the arrangements with the Brook Group.”
Jason Brook, chief executive of The Brook Group, said: “Recently, I made it clear that we wanted to work with the local authority on future plans for the Odeon. Hopefully, this new development will speed up the realisation of our mutual aspirations for the building.”
daniel.cunningham@estatesgazette.com
