Reel York

The historic facade sign, the only one left in this style, has fortunatly been saved, despite the owners wanting to remove it and replace with a hideous new style example. Now only if they cna be bothered to restore it.

THANKFULLY YORK COUNCIL SAW SENSE AND REJECTED THE REBRANDING OF THE ODEON SIGNAGE.THIS KEY CINEMA THEATRE SHOULD RETAIN ALL THE ORIGINAL FEATURES IT HAS LEFT.WE CAN ONLY HOPE THE ODEON COMPANY DOES NOT NOW CLOSE THE CINEMA.ODEON SHOULD BE PROUD TO HAVE THIS FAMOUS HISTORIC CINEMA IN IT'S EXISTING PORTFOLIO.

DEREK ATKINS (PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, MERCIA CINEMA SOCIETY).

On November 27th it was announced the owners are looking at the sites economic viability which more than likely means that the Odeon now faces closure. I intend to fight this and hope I can rally the support of local people, and also readers of this site. Please email your comments to me at Timaddyman@hotmail.com

Seems like a bunch of greedy owners who don't know anything about history..... we should give them a piece of our mind!

It would be a tragedy if this building closes as a cinema. Hope local people will rally round and fight to save the Odeon, which my family have been enjoying for four generations. It is still the best picture-going experience in York in my opinion.

With recent news that this fine cinema could be closed by the odeon company many people have signed a petition to try and save the odeon.

Myself, and another devoted cinema historian are trying to changed the present owners minds and keep the cinema operating for future generations to enjoy.

Derek Atkins.
( public relations officer Mercia Cinema Society).

So far we have had a fantastic response to our Save The York Odeon campaign with over 6,000 people signing up their support in less than 3 weeks! Although we have some way to go to persuade the owners to keep it open and treat the building to a sensitive refurbishment this is a wonderful start, and shows that many people out there still love the building.
On a rather more cryptic note a recent visit to the building by one of our campaigners revealed that large sections of original Art Deco wall tiling which form part of the auditoriums streamlined decoration have been needlessly removed. When asked, management refused to confirm why this had been carried out! This has now be reported by campainers to the local city council as this is a breach of listed building status which means permission has to be sought before any original features are removed. The councils conservation architect is now investigating the matter.
The next step is getting the campaign some national coverage and I have been writing to celebrities who come from York in the hope that they may be able to help us, so fingers crossed we could have some celebrity backing soon. For those who might be interested Dame Judi Dench, Mark Addy, and David Bradley (caretaker Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films) are all from York.
If you haven't done so already please sign our online petition and read all about our campaign at www.thisisyork.co.uk
I will keep visitors posted.

Our campaign continues with fantastic results. In less than 4 weeks we have now reached over 8,000 signatures of support. The removal of wall tiling in the auditorium is apparently beacuse they are made from some composite material which includes asbestos and have been removed, illegally it has to be said, as a health and safety issue. The council conservation architect is now to meet with the owners to discuss a suitable replacement, hopefully to the same streamlined design as before.

As of this week we have now raced past the 10,000 signature mark with our petition. Our local politician and council leaders were meeting Friday (27th) with senior managers from the Odeon's owners to decide on its future. We await further news and I will post updates as and when I hear anything...

Since my last update we’ve had some good news and bad news with regards to our campaign.

On the plus side we’ve had over 13,000 signatures of support, in less than 9 weeks, to save the cinema, from all walks of life, and indeed all parts of the globe.
This week we heard the fantastic news that Oscar winning actress Dame Judi Dench was backing us in our fight after one of our campaign team wrote to request her help.
Dame Judi,who was born and grew up in York, wrote back “ I am delighted to add my support to your campaign to save the York Odeon cinema. It is the most beautiful art deco building.
“I have very happy memories of it and would be devastated to see it closed.
“ I wish you every success with the campaign”.

Not so good was the response we received from Odeon’s head office when representatives of the campaign team, MP for York Hugh Bayley, and the Evening Press newspaper tried to deliver the 13,600 signatures collected so far. Upon arrival at their building, just off Leicester Square, they were made to wait whilst it was asked if anyone in a senior position within the company would come down to reception to receive. Through the intercom a lady replied that there was no one available but it could be posted through the door! Hugh Bayley refused and said that out of respect for the thousands who signed it he would only deliver it by hand.
Finally a woman who refused to give her name or position appeared at the front door to take the packaged petition, promising to pass it on to the Chief Executive, Ian Pluthero.

I have suggested that maybe people should write directly to the Chief Executive at Odeon and gladly post his details on here for anyone that may wish to do so

Ian Pluthero
Chief Executive
Odeon Cinemas Ltd
54 Whitcomb Street
London, WC2H 7DN

This snub to our campaigners says a lot for the owners of the cinema, but the collecting of signatures and our fight to keep it open will continue. More news when we have it.

I think the ODEON is a gr8 place for a group of friends 2 go, even families. It is somewhere for teenagers 2 go when skool is not open, (eg. staff day) or I also got there on m8's birthdays, it just brilliant, the sweets/popcorn/drinks etc, choices are endless and they don't taste like shit either, but the Odeon is also not 2 expensive which, York City Screen is!! and because it i not expensive, it is idealfor teenagers/young children, adfamilies tat do not have much cash 2 spend on leisure activities, there is also a gr8 range of films 2 watch, could be more tho. I am comeing 2day, 2 watch 50fist dates. At 1:25- 4:55pm, so see you there, and dont 4get,"THE ODOEN CINEMA IS THE ONE 4U!"
Don't go anywhere else!
Lvya Loads, from
Loz -x- (Lra Sockett) (Loza2005@aol.com)

Magnificent cinema! Great story. What has happened since April? Fascinating story. We have done this type of PR before in America. It always takes more that PR. It takes money and political influence. Perhaps we could help. www.grandevenues.com

Thanks for your posting rroberts...
Well news has been pretty quiet on the Odeon front since April. We have tried on several occasions to get an answer from the owners as to the future of the cinema, but to no avail. It would seem that they are determined to run it into the ground with little or no maintenance work being done to maintain what does remain. They put prices up in April which we think is a further ploy to drive customers away. A couple of weeks ago a front page article in our local paper ran showed readers the run down state of the interior with bare light bulbs on fittings in the foyer, filthy and neglected toilets, taped down carpets, damage to railings and cordoned off seating. It has now been a year since the owners announced that they were assessing the site for its economic viability, and we fear that as a result of this forced neglect the news will not be good. We are still watching the future of the building with bated breath and going to see films there, but unless an independent operator or a film loving millionaire takes its on this art deco gem and rightly restores it to its 1937 opening day splendour the neglect will continue. The owning chain has recently been bought by a venture capital firm so it remains to be seen if they will invest any money into the builidng or whether they are just in the cinema business to make a quick profit and sell off those older properties for redevelopment. Regardless of the outcome there is great local support for the cinema, the population of York is steadily growing with new housing developments being built all over the city, and us volunteers will go on fighting for the best cinema in the north of england.
Any help would indeed be appreciated as to suggestions from other like minded organisations. Please get in touch with me at Timaddyman@hotmail.com
I will endeavor to keep you all posted.

Odeon bosses are considering a million pound refurbishment of its 1937 York landmark in Blossom Street after over a year of uncertainty as to its future.

Regional managers have spoken to the city's MP and told him that they intend to present proposal to company chiefs within the next few weeks.

Whilst good news after all our campaining one of the ideas muted is the subdivision of Screen One into 3 screens. This would be a shame as this is currently the largest auditorium in the city on a pleasing stadium arrangement and which preserves most of the original features. The circle was extended down to the former front stalls in 1972. It seats around 800 people and still regularly sells out for the new releases.

It may be a better idea to look to the 2 smaller screens, created out of the stalls area as they are pretty awful and the space could be arranged far better or with some imagination and planning permission it could be unobtrusively extended into the far too small car park without altering the stunning elevation of the building.

It is hoped that the plans will be sympathetic to the remaining art deco features of this Grade II listed building.

We will wait and see.

Travelled up to York for business not long ago...for a beautiful town this cinema is a shame...looks from the outside as if it has been poorly maintained.

Hallo,

tap on the following link

www.mawgrim.co.uk

And go to Odeon Cavalcade, select Odeon York.... and see three pictures of this wondrous cinema

best


kev p

Could the theatre support live music, theatre and movies?

http://www.annoyanceproductions.com/lawsuit.html

Why is this article posted on this site? This is truly remarkable. So many "allegations and enemies." Perhaps my story should be made into a movie starring say, Richard Dreyfus or Danny DeVito. Why bring up all this stuff on this specific site? It has very little to do with this theatre's posting but what the heck. So much misinformation here. So many lies, but hey: this is America. Say what you like and don't check your facts! Assassinate someone's character while remaining anonymous but what the hell. It's America. OK. Here's a quick fact check for the people who really matter and proof you cannot always believe what you read in the newspapers or from what is written on these blogs. Mike Novelli is the President of GVI and had nothing to do with any of your allegations other than for the Wheaton, Zoe and Lawford Theatres. Leave him out of the rest or are you too ignorant to recognize that other corporations have come and gone without him. 1. GVI paid all workers at the Lawford Theatre in Havana except for two who are being investigated for theft. 2. We did NOT accept donation money at the Wheaton except for the outstanding fundraiser set up by Todd Plagman and many others for wounded veteran Sgt. Joel Gomez. This was a fundraiser that we all produced last January and audited then turned over ALL money to Community Bank. 3. I like smarter people than me because I learn from them. I don't see to many on this site however. 4. I am proud that we sold calendars from the lobby of the Portage Park Theatre. No one else was helping us. (See many other postings about the Portage Park Theatre.) We returned everyone's deposits, by the way, unlike the mess with the Annoyance Theatre company. I have accepted responsibility for the $4K debt personally as I have with the $5K debt for the Uptown Theatre, (Pales). 5. The Henslowe Group was not given the cease and desist order at the Portage. Our tenant, The Universal Church was issued the order for "building without a permit." I had three partners there. Why don't you hound them: Richard Pales, Kevin Miner and Jessica Deans. 6. I am a rather pleasant man who likes cigars, fun people, travel, the theatre and music, and lively discussions about politics and social issues with intelligent witty people.

SAD DAY FOR YORK.

Odeon have announced that the 1937 grade II listed Odeon will close
its doors to the public in late August.

"The decision follows an extensive period of assessment for the
cinema's economic viability, during which we made every effort to
find a solution to its financial position and enable the cinema to
remain open," said a spokeswoman.

This follows a vigorous campaign by local and national film lovers.

Although they have said that the decision was taken 'with regret'
they have spent the last two years effectively running the building
into the ground to the point of threadbare carpets, naked lightbulbs
hanging from light fixtures and disgusting toilet facilities. It
would seem they were merely biding their time to announce what was
obviously on the cards for a while.

The company also claim that they face competition from the City
Screen and Vue cinemas, despite the Vue complex having been in
operation for 16 years!

It was only last week that the buildings boiler broke down leaving
patrons sat in freezing conditions whilst watching a film.

Odeon have confirmed in their press release that they do not own the
building and lease it from a property management company? ( anyone
out there know which company??)

Will any operator step into the ring and take it on?

So its 5 months till the end but I intend to explore every
possibility to keep this fantastic Art Deco monument open. Any one
with ideas are welcome to send them to me.

This is what happens when venture capital companies own cinema
circuits.

Tim Addyman,
York..

This website has a photo of the Odeon York.

Have you considered contacting Ward Anderson who have been buying sites discarded by Odeon and Cineworld? Maybe they would/will buy it.

Thanks for the suggestion cjc. I'm looking at every possible way to keep the cinema going and welcome suggestions.

Your support is appreciated.

More News:- Continuing problems with the boiler have meant that during the current cold weather the largest screen which seats around 800 has been closed to the public. A spokeswoman confirmed that the 2 smaller screens are being kept warm by portable heaters. She said 'To protect our customers and staff, we will only operate an auditorium if the temperature is higher than 16 degrees C. Once the weather has improved then they hope to reopen it. Its the latest in a long line of problems and as the 2 week Easter break began at the weekend one can only imagine how much more money they will lose?

Further to my previous posting it has also been revealed that the building is owned by the Norwich Union Insurance group, who have their head office in the city, and which has me as one of its employees!!! I was as shocked as most people to hear this news, as throughout the 2 year campaign they have not revealed their ownership. They have owned the freehold of the cinema for 15 years and apparently negotiations are now taking place as to the buildings future. The current lease runs until February 10, 2035.

I hope to discuss the buildings future with the relevant department within Norwich Union and to see what their next move is.

MORE NEWS WHEN I HAVE IT..

Having heard the news about the York Odeon, I took the trip down from Glasgow to visit it. To my delight screen one was in use, showing Ice age 2. I was well impressed, what a great auditorim, I can't remember having ever been a cinima as impressive before.

It may be a bit rough round the ages, and well overdue a lick of paint, but it has charactor. I can't think of a better place to watch a film. It would be a great shame for it to close, and just as big a shame if screen one were to be broken up into smaller screens.

It wouldent need millions of pounds spent on it, just a lick of paint, a few new light shades, fix the boiler, and a fresh carpet laied. Anything else would spoil it.

I would urge anyone who has never been before to take a trim and see it for yourself. I found the staff to be most helpfull, thanks guys, and I hope everything works out for you.

Good luck with your campaign to keep it open, I hope I will be able to come back and visit again some day.

Thanks!

Hi Tim,

have you tried the new Empire Circuit, after their recent takeover of several Odeons?

Best

Kev P

Thanks for both your comments Tristar and Kev. The Odeons character is the best thing its got going for it, both externally and internally and is one of the main points we've always tried to put across to the owners with our campaign. Screen 1 is as you say one of the best places to see a film. Sadly the Odeon company are all about bringing the nice shiny conveyer belt mentality of the multiplex to buildings like these. Plus the fact that they are no longer an entertainment company, just part of a private equity firm, more concerned with property development. I travelled to Australia recently and there the operators know a thing or two about catering for film fans and treating their older properties with a lot more respect than we do in theis country. Thinking about having a meal out, well there are cinemas where you can relax in a luxury leather reclining seat and enjoy an a la carte meal, with maybe a glass of beer or wine. A private lounge to enjoy pre or post movie drinks. What a fantastic concept to bring to cinemas such as the York Odeon. Beats plastic popcorn and watered down syrupy drinks don't you think?

Thanks for the suggestion in contacting the new Empire cinema circuit. Definately worth a shot. I understand they are actually taking steps to bring quality to cinemas and maybe a little bit of the old-style history too.

Please keep your support and suggestions coming in. We need your help.

Cheers everyone.
Tim..

Also the Northern Morris circuit, based in the North of England, would be a good operator.

While I appreciate the original campaign to save the signage I can't help feeling it may have added to Odeon's unwillingness to refurbish this cinema as they couldn't rebrand. And therefore contributed to the decline. This raises the question about the fine line of preserving buildings in museum state and operating in the modern market. I agree that little imagination has been used by Odeon but ironically if a new chain or single owner takes over and I sincerely hope they do, the old signage may be consigned to storage as Odeon like to protect their name and probably would object to it remaining in place. On a suggestion for the future,maybe Norwich Union should donate the freehold of the building to the city council , they can afford it. Then intrested groups could apply to run it.

I've never heard the 'higher than 16 degrees' thing before, BS detector on high levels here. If the aircon is up the creek then you usually put a sign on the box office and refer to it when the customer buys a ticket so they know the cinema is too cold/hot. As for staff, unless it's assigned seating you would only check the auditorium every 20-30mins for about a minute or so. Even then they should have jumpers.

If Odeon are closing the site then surely the signage will not be wanted by any new owner, surely something in a similar style would have to be erected in the brand of the new owner?

CJ, in the case of such a classic branding as the Odeon circuit was, and in particular to how THIS Odeon sign looks, it would be criminal to remove it, hide it from public view or other.

The Odeon Bromley, now run by the( highly exciting attitude ) still has the Odeon signage ( albeit very late Odeon branding.

Apart from all the local people knowing it as their Odeon, the name has become synonymous with going to the cinema, not unlike Hoover...

So no harm in keeping it IMHO


Kev P

If anyone is in the York area this month, as one of the campaign team I wanted to encourage people to come along to the Odeon, on the evening of Thursday 31st of August, to the final show, after 69 years of film entertainment.

Management have said that they have yet to decide what will be
happening on the last night, so I've read that as probably nothing!!

As circuits mark closures with little or no publicity, no big bang,
just more of a whimper, it would be fantastic to get one last full
capacity audience in Screen 1, still the best place in York to
experience the big screen feel.

What's more, if you're feeling bold, we want you to come along in
fancy dress, either as your favourite film star (past or present) or
in the fashions from the late 1930's, when the Odeon first threw open
its doors to the public.

We've shown in our 3 year campaign that there is still the support
for a traditional high street cinema, in a convenient location and
not ridiculously over-priced, despite what the current leaseholders
think. The local population continues to grow as new housing
developments are built, making the demand for a suitable local
leisure venue all the more important.

This doesn't mark the end of the road. Work is still continuing
behind the scenes to publicise the plight of this Art Deco gem and we
look upon this closure as a temporary one, whilst a more enlightened
concern realises its potential.

We are also thrilled to announce two more celebrity supporters. Eric
Knowles and Maureen Lipman.

The last film has yet to be announced but being the end of August it
will probably be one of the late summer blockbusters. Tickets are
usually available the week before, either from the cinemas box
office or over the internet.

So tell your family, friends and neighbours to dig out their glad
rags, get their tickets booked and get down to the Odeon's "Last
Hurrah" (for now!) We've got 799 seats to fill.


Tim..

I really really hope someone steps in to save evolve this odeon from Closure permenantly. Has anyone tried contacting Dame Judi Dench ? I think its really sad that it has come to this and hope the campaign continues and succeeds.My son is only 4 and we walk past every day and he asks when he is old enough, he wants to go in.I didnt even realise it was closing,we are quite new to the area. Please dont tell me it will be turned into luxury apartments. The harrogate odeon got a art deco facelift.
Really really hope the campaign manages to save the day in some way.

Does anybody have any contact information for who is in charge at the Odeon York? Who the owner or person in charge is?

Two pictures taken on August 31st 2006, the final day of operation.

Exterior:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/230450275/

Interior (Screen 1):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/230450274/

And one more picture showing in detail the contraversial signage:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/230756747/in/pool-cinemasignage/

The Odeon Theatre opened on Monday 1st February 1937 with Roland Young in "The Man Who Could Work Miracles".

When it was tripled, it re-opened on 20th August 1972 with "Carry On Matron" in Screen 1, "Cabaret" in Screen 2 and "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" in Screen 3.

A big thank you to all who made the last show and helped us say goodbye (for now) to the Odeon. The atmosphere is what its about at this deco gem despite the lame hollywood comedy the company had on offer.
Even the staff were cheerful despite many of them being made redundant and for those of us foolish enough to arrive in fancy dress. (Yes that was me as Captain Jack Sparrow!!) It goes to show that there is still a place in the community for this wonderful cinema.

This is by no means the end of the show folks, merely an intermission.

A 1000 mile round trip for a closing night...could that be something of a record?....whatever...the challenges of the M25 and M1 were well worth it to attend the closing night of York Odeon. The final film in Screen One was You, Me & Dupree a pretty lukewarm american comedy, my only dissapointment was the lack of a few words to mark the occasion of the final presentation, but this was more than made up for by the great atmosphere generated by the film goers, Odeon staff, and the ambience of the Art Deco auditoruim. There were many nice touches, not least when the screen tabs were closed momentarily between the adverts and the main feature to allow the grand entrance of a group of enthusiasts dressed in 1930's costume ( including Captain Jack Sparrow and a delightful blonde lady in a stunning white dress who look every part the classic movie star...who ever you were!). All were greeted with a generous round of applause, which was repeated when the curtains came together for the final time at the end of the feature. All the attendees and staff are to be congratulated on ensuring the final night was a memorable occasion....duly filled with both laughter and tears.

The staff in particular were most patient and obliging to the usual requests and questions which fall on them on such occasions, and the final fans left, ( me among them!) clutching their souvenirs around 11.30 pm when the doors were finally able to be closed!.

I can only hope that sufficient input can be brought to bear so that this unique building can continue it's role in providing entertainment faciltites for the community it serves and that we have'nt said farewell to another gem....merely a temporary goodbye.

Thanks for your kind comments blakey692002. Apparently York management had wanted to do something to mark the closure after 69 years, but they were vetoed by Odeons regional office. I agree the manager could have said a few words though.
I drove past the cinema last night and saw that they had already been hard at work boarding the place up. A very depressing site.

The campaign will continue. Watch this space for updates.

Tim.
AKA (Captain Jack Sparrow)

Tim, thanks for all your hard work: don't give up the fight!

Have you contacted Empire Cinemas about this great cinema ?

Judging by what I have seen so far, they would be , possibly, one of the best 'candidates' to take it over, run it properly, restore that famous sign, employ people passionate about cinema-going and keep this lovely lady of the Odeon circuit going, and not allow property developers or people who don't give a damn run/ruin it further ?


best

Kev P

Hi Kev, Its been a bit of a shock to see the building all boarded up but rest assured the fight will go on to preserve this deco landmark. There's so much scope as to what can be done or introduced to the cinema (such as a cafe/bar grille for customers etc in the upstairs foyer) that its a shame that the owners didn't have the same imagination or enthusiasm.
One of my fellow camapaigners had been approaching other operators directly with a view to generating some interest in taking over the lease so he may have already approached the Empire circuit, but I will check and if needs be approach them myself.
I'm still pestering my employers, Norwich Union, into recognising the importance of this cinema, seeing as they own the freehold of the site, so we'll see what becomes of that.

For sale boards have finally gone up on the former Odeon cinema in
York, which closed on 31st of August.

Leeds estate agents Colliers Cre are marketing the long lease (which
is believed to run till 2035)for offers in excess of £650,000.

They are marketing it as "cinema premises or suitable for
alternative uses - subject to obtaining planning and other consents."

Details given state:
"The property is arranged over ground, mezzanine and first-floor
levels and comprises a foyer, three auditoria, projection suite and
ancillary accommodation, together with retail units."

Under a user clause, the building can be used as a cinema, theatre
or any other place of public entertainment, and there is a total
floor space of almost 20,000 square feet.

It is believed that more than one regional cinema operator has
tentatively expressed an interest in taking over the site although
their interest may not result in any firm bid.

From a source I understand that Apollo cinemas did make an offer but
this was rejected by Odeon?? Another source have said that "Reel"
may be interested in the site??

Since closure the building has already been branded one of Yorks
worst eyesores (probably in view of the extensive boarding that now
covers the building and the fact that it stands on one of the main
approaches into the city)

Tenants of the adjoining shop units have also complained that the
alleyway between them and the cinema is becoming a magnet for
drinkers and drug-users.

Lets all hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel for this
fantastic building. Either that or does anyone out there have a
spare 3 quarters of a million on them and I'll get it up and running
again :¬))

Tim.

Was in York yesterday and having a few hours to spare thought I might try and see Casino Royale at City Screen. No Chance, two afternoon screenings sold out and queues of people out the door. Surely this proves that a city centre cinema is viable and if this movie had been on at the Odeon business would have been fantastic. Someone please take on this building and prove it can work it is so sad to see it boarded up.

Possible Good News. It was reported yesterday in our local paper that new operators could be taking over the Odeon by the New Year. The selling agents remained tight lipped about their identity but said that they were from the leisure sector!?
Whilst this is great news in that the building is not being left to rot, we do need to know what the building will be used for before we crack open the champagne!! There is still a need for a city centre located cinema (as Jason's posting makes clear) and with York's housing developments experiencing a boom at the moment, city centre venues will be all the more important.
A spokesman said that it was hoped that the lease would be sold in the next few months once issues over its Grade II listed features had been addressed. This may refer to the original facade sign that is the last remaining Odeon sign of its type in the whole of the UK. Obviously if a new operator is taking the cinema on they will want their name above the door, but hopefully the sign can be preserved in some way. Donate it to me and I'll preserve it in my own collection!!!

Under current planning clauses, the building can be used as a cinema, theatre or any other place of public entertainment.

Lets hope the possible purchasers are an enlightened cinema chain (do they still exist??) with a love for restoring old cinema buildings to their former art deco glory.

Fingers crossed and more news when I have it.

Hi Tim, hmmmmm leisure sector, now is that cinema/theatre/music/bingo/variety/pub....comedy...

re enlightened cinema chain, remember I mentioned Empire Cinemas ? Did anyone contact them ?

best

Kev P

Exactly Kev - Leisure sector can cover a multitude of uses AND misuses, so thats why I'm deferring proper celebrations till the purchaser and future use of our Odeon are known.
One of my campaign colleagues has spent a lot of time approaching potential new operators with a view to them taking on the lease. From what I know he hasn't had very much of positive feedback or response. Price of the lease seems to have been a factor (were they wanting freehold??)cost of refurbishment to anything approaching a decent standard as well as the decision by a major circuit to abandon York seems to have put them off.
I am also in the process of contacting the councils conservation officer to see if the selling agents have made any approach to them with regards the issues over the listed building status as detailed in the newspaper report.

Its even more important that features should be preserved and not fall to some half-assed cheap re-development.

As always, more news when I have it.

Hey

I'm a student studying at interior design at Huddersfield University. I was wondering if anybody could help on the current state of the interior of the cinema, wall finishes, celing, floorings, etc? Its for my final year project. I used to attend the cinema all the time but i cant quite remember what some details are. If you could email in elin_gail@hotmail.com, if anybody has any information.

Thankyou

Gail Jackson

THE ODEON CELEBRATED ITS 70TH BIRTHDAY ON THURSDAY THE 1ST OF FEBRUARY - SADLY IN A SHUTTERED STATE AND NO LONGER WELCOMING FILMS FANS.

Talks are apparently going on between the council and a prospective purchaser of the lease (although I have been informed at this stage these are confidential) and concern issues over the listed status of the building and what can and cannot be done to the cinema. Campaigners have heard on the grapevine that one company have made approaches to run it into a snooker club! How this would effect the interior is anyones guess, but its vitally important now, and under any new plans that any original features are preserved. A lot remains covered over including the foyer mural and large trough light fixture which has been out of the publics gaze for over 40 years. The original ventilation grilles in the auditorium also survive but were boxed in when the cinema was tripled in 1972 and the seating extended forwards.

This is a unique example of cinema architecture and the interior is largely intact. Anything which will needlessly alter or destroy this will be opposed.

There is no sense as to why the interior shouldn't be brought back to life. We are just seeking an enlightened new owner who loves the building as much as we do!!

More news when I have it.

Tim.

Tim: Thanks for all your hard work. Is there any way that a qualified investor can lease or purchase the theatre? Who does one contact?

Update:- Selling agents for the cinema have set a final deadline of February 28 for offers on the lease.
According to reports, 15 interested parties have come forward as part of the informal tender process. Potential new owners have been told to submit their "final and best offers" by this date.
It is thought that there has been a wide range of interest from developers to leisure operators, so it now remains to be seen who will come forward with the best offer and what these plans for future use are. The only rumour to have come from this process has been the idea of turning it into a snooker club. Any other plans/uses have not been made public.

Under a user clause the building can be used as a cinema, theatre or other place of public entertainment, and we understand that more than one regional cinema operator have tentatively expressed an interest in taking it over.

The lease was on offer for bids over £650,000, which includes the complex of shop units that are part of the cinema building.

This is a building of national importance. No Odeon retains it's original interior but although York is probably most recognised from its fabulous art deco brick exterior, the interior remains largely intact, through a sensitive tripling scheme in the early 1970's.

What an opportunity for an enlightened new owner to put back some of the 1937 splendor again. Uncover the mural and the grilles in the auditorium, the orchestra pit rail, and get the cove lighting working again. Reinstate some of the painted effects, such as the banding round the double main staircase.

York is in need of quality entertainment venues and the Odeon has this in spades, it just needs a light makeover.

More news to follow.




Let the Odeon

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL?!?!?!?

It has been reported today that a leading UK cinema is one of the main contenders to take over the former Odeon building.

The closing date for offers on the lease was last week, and the site is believed to have attracted a great deal of interest, although new uses or proposals have been kept under wraps.

An announcement should be made in the next few weeks, according to the selling agents, who have also said that they believe its a good site and shouldn't be closed.

The offers are now being considered by the Odeon board.

I'm not one to count chickens before they have hatched, but I would hope everyone on Cinema Treasures will keep their fingers crossed for the campaign team and indeed for the filmgoers of York.

Will update when I hear more.

Tim.

Good Luck guys.

Gallery of pics, including some from the final night, can be found here - well worth the long trip from Glasgow, even if the closing film was lacklustre!

http://www.scottishcinemas.org.uk/uk/york/odeon/index.html

Good news everyone. The Odeon's lease has been bought by Reel Cinemas who plan to reopen the building and restore it to its Art Deco glory. I have submitted a story for the Cinema Treasures news page so read more there when its posted.

Tim.

Excellent news! Any news on the opening date?

Not for definite yet. The news announced today stated that they hoped to carry out an initial clean up first and get it open as soon as August, but this may be a bit optimistic. Then once open they will implement the major refurbishment, restoration etc ( I would love to see the mural reinstated )They aim to keep screens open for the majority of time whilst work is done on other areas so that they have constant business coming in.
Just as a point of interest are you the same Ian who provided the Odeon photo at the top of this entry?
Were you there on closing night? I was speaking to David Eve and he mentioned an Ian who was taking photo's of the interior that evening. Didn't get a chance really to speak to all those who had made the journey especially.

For my sines I was the chap dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow for the farewell.

Tim.

fabulous news : hats off to you and your campaign Tim, and let's raise a glass to you and Reel Cinema !

Next...St.Albans....

Kev P

Yes Tim! I am *THAT* Ian !!!! (aka stagedoor on flickr for the closing night pics). Your group certainly made a spectacular entrance - added a showmanship style sadly lacking from Odeon for the occasion.

To quote from 'Fiddler on the Roof', Kev, "From your mouth to God's ears"

I have once visited York and seen the exterior of this theater, but wasn't inside.
Where is the hidden mural?
If the balcony auditorium is going to be triplexed, will 3 not very large screens be up there instead of the large screen seen in the photos?
Who will attend the reopened theater if there's movie theaters for mainstream films, and art films, nearby? Are those theaters convenient, comfortable, and up to date?
Of course, that this theater isn't to be demolished (which seems the fate of the Manchester one) is great

Hi Ian,
Sorry I didn't get to introduce myself on the night. I realised after the event that there were quite a few fellow enthusiasts who had made the trip especially.
Give the projectionist his/her dues as it was there spur-of-the-momentidea entirely to raise the house lights when our group came in.

I was pleased that my small group of friends were all up for it.

Thing is now what to wear for the re-opening.

The stories now on the news page.

Thanks for your continued support Kev.

Tim.

In response to posting by Howard the mural runs round the upper wall of the former balcony foyer upstairs. The area is lit by the three large windows you can see on the facade, but in the early 1960's as part of Odeons modernisation for the cinema a false ceiling was installed lowering the height and cutting out a lot of the natural light form the windows in the process. If you look at the picture on the top of this posting the top three panes of glass on each window look into the void above the false ceiling. This ceiling is now just under the bottom of the mural and it still survives intact above as well, I'm told the original large hanging light fitting.
The plans for the balcony is for 2 screens, not 3 which is a shame as the original space was one of the reasons to visit the building but sensitively done it means that they should still have the big screen feel. We await to see their plans for this space.
York has a multiscreen on the outskirts of the city but for a lot of people central facilities are a lot more convenient. That complex is now 17 years old and hasn't been refurbsihed in 17 years!! Also the cost of tickets and associated food etc is one of the most expensive in the area. The arts cinema does a good trade but the gap left when the Odeon closed proves that a city centre mainstream venue is still needed.
Coupled with York undergoing a massive population explosion over the last few years with many large scale housing developments going up in the area hopefully means that this deco gem will be welcomed with open arms by residents and visitors alike. If it means that the building will be restored to its former glory then i'll go into the city and drag people in myself if needs be :¬))

Its great news that the cinema is reopening as a cinema and not as some vile nightclub. Well done Tim! York is proud of you!

Does anyone have any listings for the films the Odeon showed in the 70s and 80s? Also, do the Yorkshire Evening Press offices have back issues to peruse for Odeon listings? Does anyone know how far back the issues go?

Thanks Strutting Rooster. Its been hard work but such fantastic news makes it all worthwhile.
Yorkshire Evening Press do have a library, but for photographs not back issues.
The holdings for these are with Yorks central reference library, details below.

York City Library
Library Square
Museum Street
York, YO1 7DS
01904 655631
www.york.gov.uk

They are either on microfilm or hand bound newspapers, depends on the year. Most are on microfilm though as I've made use of it many a time for my cinema research.

They go back in to the Victorian period as far as I'm aware.

Regards

Another photo from 1991 here - a visit by the Cinema Theatre Association :-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12494104@N00/612085780/

Hello everyone
I am new to this site I used to be a projectionist at this cinema in 1997 its sad news that it closed but was always on my mind back then thats why I moved to another cinema.I have photos of the interior and projection rooms with all the equipment.
In the top box was a cinemcanic vic 8 on a large peditstal and a dolby cp1000 processor and philips non rewind platter system .
In the lower boxes were vic 9s small vertical lamphouse and dolby CP45 processors It was a good place to work bottom projection rooms were a bit tight for space.
The cinema its self was very art deco with a lowered ceiling in the top foyer hinding art deco painting and plasterwork which still needs to see the day light any questions please ask.
I now work and live in Australia as a cinema projectionist at a ten screen complex in Melbourne
Mark Iceton

Hi Mark, You'll no doubt see from all my posts on here how involved I am with the Odeon and the long running campaign to prevent it from closing and now, hopefully under its new owners, being restored to its glory.
Would be interested to know if I could see copies of your photo's etc as I've a great passion for this building and have worked on researching its history for a number of years along with the other cinemas that used to be in York. I'm always interested in collating peoples memories etc, if you'd be up for it? I used to work at the Warner Bros multiscreen for the first 4 years of its operation.





You can email me at Timaddyman@hotmail.com

If those photos can be scanned, and placed on flickr or another website & linked here, many of us would enjoy looking at them. I'd rather look at the pretty theater than the projection room, but I'm sure many here would be pleased to look at the photos of the projection room, too!

Had the opportunity to have a very quick look round the building yesterday, thanks to the selling agents, and take a few pics. The idea I'm planning is to hopefully follow the planned refurbishment right the way through and produce a photographic record, subject to the new owners permission of course.
The building is thankfully still weather-tight apart from a small pool of water in an upstairs corridor outside the projection booth for Screen 1 (The projector is still there as well as the cake-stand platter) Also a smashed panel in the front doors where some had gotten in behind the security boarding (now secure again)

Downstairs, currently housing the small screens 2 & 3 it smelt a bit damp. It will be interesting to see how the plans to create 3 screen in this area will come about. If you wanted to see a film here in the past you generally made sure it was playing in the large screen 1 as these 2 where rather pokey!
Its a fascinating rabbit-warren of a building, with store rooms staircase all over the place.
Hope to make contact with the new owners soon and maybe be allowed a longer visit next time.

Tim.

another picture for you Tim

best

kev p

http://movies.ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/cta-uk/photos/view/82f9?b=3

Cheers Kev, That's a great pic. The Maltby photo's are a great record of the Odeon circuit in it's heyday.

Tim.

Tim - *IF* you are able to get in during the clean-up / transformation, and you need a friend with a camera .......... !!

Absolutely Ian, no problem. I only had an hour in the building the other week and there was so much to explore.
The agent did say that the exchange of contracts was imminent so hopefully Reel will oblige and allow a longer visit for a proper look round, in all the store rooms, roof and circle voids, basement, etc etc.
It should be an interesting project to document, especially if they are going to restore the original remaining features and fingers crossed the uncovering of the mural!

Its been announced that the cinema is unlikely to reopen until next year as the new owners are now planning a major refurbishment, rather than an intial clean up which was first mooted.
The managing director, Mr Kailash Suri, has said that discussions between the local council, English Heritage and the companies architects will begin in the autumn to come up with acceptable proposals to restore it to its art deco glory.
How many screens the complex has will then be decided on. Initial plans were announced that they wished to subdivide the largest screen into 2 with 3 smaller ones below, where previously there were just 2.
Before contracts were exchanged the building did unfortunately suffered minor vandalism whilst shuttered as vandals pulled some boarding away from the main entrance caused damage to the foyer area and the main cinema screen was slashed. However this was reported and the building was made secure again within 2 days.

Licensing conditions have been agreed with York Council which include steps to prevent people loitering outside and causing a nuisance.
The small car park at the rear of the cinema (which is about 25 spaces) is to be for disabled customers and staff only. Whilst the cinema has been shuttered this has been used by nearby residents, so wheel clamping will be brought in to enforce this.

With this sort of committment it is hoped that this sleeping beauty will have a happy ending after all.

Has anyone noticed that there is still a 'For Lease' sign over the shop part of the Odeon?

Does this mean that Reel Cinemas have the actual cinema whilst the shop could be leased to another company?

most recent picture.....any news, Tim Addyman, and Happy New 'save York Odeon 'Year to you :>)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/45717052@N00/2122893282/

kev p

Happy New Year Kev,

Things have been a little bit quiet, but I had an email from the Reel Cinemas managing director a couple of months ago. I'd sent them a copy of our campaign pack and also copies of the original Maltby photo's from shortly after it opened which I thought may help with the proposed restoration of the building.

I'd also requested the possibility of a look round before work commenced and if I could follow their restoration work to create a photographic record.

Mr Suri replied to say they were dealing with the recent opening of their Hull new build and when work commenced at York, supposedly 1st half of this year, he'd get in touch with me to arrange a visit. I think the first thing they'll be doing is submitting their plans and discussing the project with the council's planners and conservation architect.

Hopefully things will start to move along soon and the work will get under way. As it stands the conservation architect had said she'll be in touch with me once the talks are underway.

As always I'll post any new developments when I hear them.

And I am still here - camera at the ready, and fingers crossed !!

Hi Ian, Definately will let you know if and when I hear from then again and when I get the visit set up.

Things seem to be taking shape as I've noticed the official Reel Cinemas website now includes and entry for 'Reel York'.

Clicking on the site it simply says 'Reel York opening soon after complete refurbishment'

Looks like things are starting to happen. Will swing by the place and see if anythings happening. Probably a bit early to expect as discussions were going to be held with planners, conservation architect and English Heritage.

What will happen to the old odeon sign, of courtse Reel will be putting its own sign up ?

Reel should put up its own sign. It would be strange to have the ODEON sign up.

Does anyone know when work is finally due to start on the Odeon?

Unless i've missed the reference in all the squillions of reports here previously, there's a feature on the Odeon York on this website:
http://www.oldcinemas.webplex.co.uk

As a research worker in my own job I have sight of some of the many millions of local history websites in the UK so will keep my eye open.

No news on the refurb as yet. Discussions are supposed to be being held between Reel, the local council and the councils conservation officer as to what can be done with the listed building, both externally and internally.
I was told that I'd be kept updated by the conservation officer once these had started, as I have a keen interest and knowledge of the cinema, but have had no contact as yet.
In the meantime I've been carrying out research into the orginal interior decoration, colour schemes and what still remains etc with a view to producing some display material to show the new owners as they seem to favour looking at the restoration of original features.
The sign is most likely to be removed as I doubt Odeon would want there trademark name to remain on the building, but I will be pressing that its saved rather than ending up in the skip.

As ever more news when I have it.

This is taking forever...

Remember, there are certian things that people can do and cannot do to Listed buildings. Since the ODEON York is one of them, they can only do so much.

Besides, didn't a former ODEON, the Parkway Cinema take 2 years before it opened?

Here are some photos.

Photo1

Photo2

Photo3

This is a 2008 photo.

http://www.thepress.co.uk/news/4014797.Signs_halt_Reel_cinema_progress/

Apparently, because of some sign issues, Reel is trying to get Pay and display set up at the rear of the building-while the inside remains untouched.

I don't live in york and don't have an opinion, but if the argument is won by the council, this building could be as good as gone.

Posting twice.... Something is wrong with this.


But on the link in the last comment, read the comment on the article's page by the commenter 'Guy Fawkes'. While I (Again) do not live in york, and therefore, don't care about this, he does raise some intresting points about what use the building would be.

And lets face it, you know the building is doomed anyway. Reel hasn't even started refurbising the inside anyway, so if Reel hasn't gone as far as that, it's as easy as saying, 'oden york is doomed'

I had a look at the building yesterday. The car park at the rear is in use complete with its signage. There was a skip round the back full of rubbish and there was somebody in the building. The padlocks were off the front door and the foyer lights were on. Is somthing happening at last? I would love to see this as a cinema again but I do honestly think York City Council's refusal to allow the signs to be removed was the death of this building. In my opinion, the signs should have been removed to a suitable museum and Odeon allowed to carry out its rebranding exercise as happened in nearby Harrogate. The signs were in poor condition and will have to come down anyway for any future use or, dare I say it, demolition. Reel cinemas run my local cinema in Grantham but it is a very small cinema. Could they have taken on too much with York?

A recent photo can be seen here.

This was the Odeon York in 1999.

We have followed this tragic course of events for years. May we purchase this amazing theatre? Please call Kevin in our office (308) 384-6816.

Does anyone have any pics of the Odeon from the 70s and/or 80s?

Seeing as Reel Cinemas are intent on NOT refurbishing the building please do buy it Mr Warshauer.

Mr. Warshauer, if you want to enquire on purchasing this building, you won't find any place to do so here. If you want to buy the building, you need to speak to the York Council, then try to make an offer better than what Reel offered.

A bit of news and a bit of clarification.

I know Paul has been following this particular cinema for a number of years and has commented on here before about purchasing it. I believe through previous enquiries and at the time of the campaign, I also provided as much contact information as I could as to who to approach with any offers. Can I ask Paul how you would view running the building given that I'm assuming this would be your first UK cinema purchase? York has 3 theatres and the buildings stage depth would preclude lives performance without rebuilding work. Would you aim for film use?

The building was never for sale, it was only ever the lease that was offered for sale by the former operators, Odeon. The building itself is owned by insurance company Norwich Union so contacting York City Council would not help. Approaches were made at the time of the campaign to determine the ways forward but as they stated at the time the leaseholders had every right to dispose of the lease as they saw fit.

Reel do have a good track record in refurbishing some of the older properties in their portfolio and respect the original fabric when it comes to refurbishing them, just look at the Curzon Loughborough.

Yes it's taking time to do this, and I'm as exasperated as anyone that we haven't got this jewel open again and welcoming patrons. Unfortunately with the economy going rapidly down the toilet decisions are taking even longer. I'm aware that cinemas can do well through a downturn as people look to curb their spending and look to entertainment closer to home.

In view of this I understand that Reel maybe now planning what they originally announced in getting the place spruced up and the doors open in the first instance and using the revenue generated to carry out further improvements and bring the place back to it's Art Deco glory. Everything crossed in anticipation and, as always, more news when I have it.

If the community is agreed that Reel will do a good job then we will sit back and wait. If you need us, www.grandevenues.com Thanks and continued success. I am humbled and amazed at your patience.

Here is a recent b/w photo.

Hello all, my name is Arron and I was an employee of the Odeon York from 2001 to the day of it's closure in 2006. I, like many others in York, loved this building dearly. It was the first cinema I visited as a child and was my first real job when I turned 18. At the time I considered it a privilege to work at a place which had brought myself and my friends so much joy over the years, from Saturday morning kids clubs, to studying film as a student and eventually working there, with my two closest friends.

After reading some of the comments on this website, I thought I'd weigh in with my own thoughts about working at the Odeon and the unique insight I had as an employee of Odeon cinemas.

When I first started in September 2001, the site, was in my opinion, still thriving. Queues for the latest teen gross-out flick, 'American Pie 2', stretched out the door and onto the street. The DVD mad, illegal download watching culture of today was still in it's infancy and Saturday night at the movies, was still preferred to staying in and watching a film. City Screen York, was only a year old and still considered to be solely an 'art house' cinema, even though they were showing a limited selection of mainstream films. Vue Cinema (at that time named Warner Village) was (and still is) something of a trek to get to and lacked the personal touch of the classic picture house. To me, Vue cinema has always been somewhat like entering an airport terminal. Vac-formed plastic wall fixtures, giant glass walls and electronic boards showing cinema times like airplane departure notices, just doesn't seem like a memorable night out to me.

All of my memories of the Odeon are rooted in a time well after the refurbishment of the mid-1970's. I had always remained indifferent about the inner layout of the building, yet I found it fascinating trying to identify the remaining art-deco features that lay dormant beneath a drab brown and cream colour-scheme. As an employee of the Odeon, the remaining functional rooms scattered throughout were one-by-one, falling into disuse. Yet as most people who worked there would testify to, working at the Odeon, was like a second family. Having no bar (at least during MY time) or function rooms to speak of, the cinema was just that, a cinema. It consisted of a kiosk/ticket desk and three screens, and as such, didn't take much man-power to run. The general manager at the time, Barbara Gledhill, knew the running of the building backwards and was the next door neighbor of one of my fellow employees (good luck pulling a sick-day there my friend, lol) Yet Barbaras presence made the place feel comforting and gave me a feeling of perpetual nostalgia, having seen her overseeing the place from a young age.

As the time passed working there, rumours of a refurbishment began circulating around and we were given some hope of replenishing the dwindling number of cinema goers visiting us everyday.
Computer enhanced images of the front of the building came to us one morning, showing what the exterior at least would look like, if given the proposed overhaul. They seemed subtle and above all respectful to the overall feel of the building. This is of course when the whole controversy surrounding the preposed removal of the original signage at the front of the building. And we were all ANGRY. It seemed like certain people were more pre-occupied with how aesthetically pleasing the building was, rather than whether it would continue to actually function as a CINEMA. I know however that there are those people who visit this site, who would strongly disagree with me about the proposed changes, but like I said before, this is just what we saw from the inside as employees.

Now, I'm not an idiot. I realise that it's important to maintain buildings that are important to the cultural heritage of a city and indeed the country. But at the time it felt like a hangman's noose dangling in-front of the aging cinema, threatening to put an end to our favourite hobby and of course our jobs. And this is how it continued to be for the longest time, and all the while, the building fell further and further into disrepair. I remember saying to Barbara at the time, that if someone didn't make a move soon, it wouldn't matter if we had a preserved antique neon sign on the front of the building, because with giant sheets of cork-board nailed to windows, no-one would want to look at it anyway. A complaint, which is of course, now true.

Then suddenly, we were thrust into the newspapers, with a series of articles about the troubles the Odeon was facing, most damaging of all, was about the standard of the men's toilets at the front of Screen one. The photos, showed dingy, mold-ridden toilet walls and cracked tiles, with the title 'NOW SHOWING AT A CINEMA NEAR YOU'. I believe this article was, in the long-run damaging to the Odeon. Even though I know the intent of the article, written by a frequent visitor and dedicated supporter of the Odeon, was meant to push the community into action and bring on the 'sensitive' refurbishment. But as an employee, the following weeks after were filled with customers coming up to us at our 'posts' and giving us their own two-cents on what they thought of the pictures and what we should do about the situation. This started some, ahem, 'lively' debates, lol! The truth of the matter is, that even though the state of the toilets in question, was... well, questionable, they were toilets almost NEVER used by the general public. Most of whom didn't even know about the toilets, instead favouring the restrooms in the upper-lobby of the cinema, which depending on where you were sat in screen one, were much closer. The toilets themselves were far cleaner and were fully-functional, and I should know, I inspected them often enough as part of my daily work routine.

This of course kicked off the infamous, 'Save the Odeon York' campaign, started by the Evening Press. Following up with a series of decidedly more 'upbeat' articles about what the populous of York could do to save their beloved cinema. Word was spread about the cinemas situation, petitions were signed, ending up I believe somewhere around ten-thousand signatures. And through it all the press kept everyone up to date on slow news days. But again, being on the inside, this seemed to make NO difference whatsoever. Don't get me wrong, I was amazed that people were taking such an interest in the place and it was for time, looking very positive. The Evening Press patted themselves on the back for thinking the whole thing up and people who signed the petition could walk past the building and believe that they were making a difference. However, there-in lies the problem, if the ten-thousand or so people who signed the petition actually visited the cinema on a weekly of monthly basis, there wouldn't have been a problem in the first place, at least with attendance, which may have pushed the Odeon bosses into doing something. But I can tell you right now, in the final days of the cinemas life, it was a ghost town. I remember on one Saturday in particular only taking around £400 for the entire day?! Now when you factor in wages, gas and electric bills etc, this is a crippling amount of money to be taken in on a day of the week, that just a few short years earlier had people double-queuing out the doors.

At the time, I was in my second year of university at York St Johns and as my end of year project came round, I decided to make a documentary about the troubles the Odeon was facing. It was rather crude, but we managed to get short interviews with members of York Council and York Evening Press. I've pasted a link to my YouTube page below, with the documentary in two parts, please feel free to give it a watch. Please bear in mind, that the opinions expressed in the documentary are solely those of the participants and were never meant for public broadcast. However the film shows some shots of the building from the inside and older black and white photos taken when the cinema was opened in 1937. You will have to click on part two after the first part is finished. Just copy and paste the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S-km414FOQ

I remember being called into the head office in early 2006, along with all the other employees to be told by the regional director what the state of affairs was. It was pretty much pointless waiting to hear it from the man himself, as when we walked in and saw the look on the duty-manager's face, we knew what the outcome was going to be. We were told the building would close in August and that we would be given a small severance package (small being the operative word, as my package alone was less than a months wages for FIVE YEARS of 'service') We were each shook by the hand, then marched out of the office and told to get on with the rest of the day.

And as we all know, the rest is history. It was only when I took my last look around the cavernous screen one at the Odeon and sat in my favourite seat, reminiscing about all the good times I'd shared with people in there over the years, that it all hit me and I just sat in silence for half an hour, just trying to soak it all in.

Well, I better wrap this essay up, lol! Please remember that these are just my own thoughts of what went down and I thank people as an ex-employee for what they did/ still continue to do for the cinema. I was overjoyed when I heard about Reel cinemas taking it over and I hope they can restore and bring up-to-date this magical place.

Thanks for reading,

Arron D.

Work has started! Workmen have been seen entering the building.

On the Reel Cinemas website they say that the cinema will be open in the Summer.

Surely a proper refurb would take longer though?

It's been a few months since I last commented as I was really hoping to find out some good news.

Well everyone, here is the news fans of the Odeon York have been waiting for. According to press reports today the cinema is slated for a mid-June opening.

Work has been underway, as StruttingRooster commented, inside the building for a few weeks now with the initial plan to get it up and running to generate income and then look at any future major refurb.

A 16 strong team have been working 12-14 hour days to get the place in some sort of order.

Work carried out already includes installation of two new commercial boilers for the heating system. Removing the old bathroom facilities (They were BAD)

Repairing and re-plastering the foyer areas. Removing seating for recovering.

Further work will include the construction of a new concessions counter and upstairs bar, installing new toilet facilities and decorating all 3 screens.

None of the work so far carried out has impact on the buildings listed status and for the time being no work have been carried out on the brickwork exterior. Reel seem very keen to restore original features, although I would think this would be done at a later stage?

This is really fantastic news and I for one can't wait to support it.

As always more news when I have it.

Will the refurb include updates to projection/sound system or will it still lack the latest developments?
Good luck to all concerned in reviving one of the declining number of City Centre cinemas that you can get to without a car, and have a pint after the show!

Not sure at this stage, as it's not been mentioned, though will keep my ear to the ground.

Tim.

Any chance of getting inside for some photographs?

Hopefully yes, To be honest the announcement caught me on the hop as although I knew there had been workmen in the building I didn't realise they were getting it together so fast.

I can see why of course to get it ready for the onslaught of the summer blockbusters.

Their latest plans for exterior have been to apply for 4 signs showing their Reel cinemas brand name, whilst retaining the original Odeon sign over the main facade. Three for the canopy and one illuminated one which they want to attach to the fins on the tower front.

I'll let you know Ian when I have a definate answer. They can be elusive :¬)

Hi Tim

So glad to hear that the odeon in york has had an apparent saviour in "Reel" cinemas. they are a great company. they took on My local cinema some years ago (ABC Newport Wales) and struggled for the last year and a half, but didnt give up until they had to.
Hope that they succeed with the Odeon York. I visited the cinema in 2002 and loved it even though it was in a bad state of repair it still had alot of original features.

best regards
martin

Thanks Martin.

Latest news is that they are hoping for a reopening in mid June once the initial redecoration has been completed.

Personally I can't wait for a peek inside and to start watching films there again.

Hello all,

Just thought I'd mention that about 4 weeks ago I had a conversation with one of the builders carrying out repairs on the Odeon's canopy. As well as mentioning what Tim has told us about the overall refurbishment of the cinema, the builder also mentioned that screen 1 would be getting a DIGITAL PROJECTOR!

This is great news as a digital projection system in screen one, would be EPIC, giving the overall experience of watching a film in there a huge boost. Although I'm guessing they'll still have the 35mm projector in use too.

As for screens 2 and 3, I've heard they are sticking with 35mm film projectors. This isn't that bad as they may upgrade at some point to digital, but if the screens remain the same size, there may not be much point. What screens 2 and 3 REALLY need are new surround systems. When I worked there until its closure, screens 2 and 3 were still working off Dolby Pro Logic (or the cinema equivalent) which didn't sound that great.

I doubt Screen 1 will get a new surround system because it only upgraded to Dolby Digital in 2003 (just in time for the matrix sequels) And it sounded great (Shame the films weren't, lol)

Anyway, hope this is interesting to someone, it's going to be an emotional day when that place re-opens.

Best Regards,

Arron D.

As announced today in the local paper it is hoped that the re-opening of the cinema will go ahead on Friday the 19th of June with a showing of Transformers 2 in Screen 1.

Refurbishment is still continuing with new screens being fitted in all three auditoria this week.

Existing toilet facilities have been replaced completely and new disabled toilets installed in the foyer. A new ticket and concession kiosk has been built and the outside canopy repaired.

I for one am looking forward to see how the grand deco landmark has been given a face lift.

Some photos of the Odeon York are on the BBC North Yorkshire website.

Just pointing this out for all the people in York

From news reports I've seen, the cinema, now known as Reel York is now open for buisness (SP?).

I'm just the messenger, but I bring good news to people in York, while I, ironically, am not in York.

It is very good to see how much care has been taken in the restoration of the former Odeon, which I visited in the late 60's when studying in York. I recall seeing "The Graduate" and "A Man for All Seasons" there but, as I recall, Rank's programming policy often meant films arrived in York at least a week or two later than other cities.
Let's hope the people of York support Reel.

I would like to congratulate Reel Cinemas on the re-furbishment & re-opening of the former Odeon in York and wish them every success in the future.As a former manager of the Odeon's one time opposition, the ABC Cinema which stood in Piccadilly (where M & S are now) I am sure the people of York will support you.The Odeon is a fine building.

article about reopening:
http://www.thepress.co.uk/news/4447446.Opening_night_for_York___s_revamped_Odeon_cinema_in_Blossom_Street/

Apologies about the lack of a news post on the reopening. The cinema re-opened on the 19th of June and I went to the early evening show of Transformers 2 to have a look at what had been achieved in the 2 month refurbishment period.
Although Reel's plan was to have a total refurbishment of the building before opening, these plans changed in order to get the cinema open asap and bringing in an income. Not that this has meant a botch job, far from it.
The downstairs foyer has been totally refurbished with the creation of a brand new ticket and concessions counter. New signage in the deco style fits in well and elements of the original painted decorative treatments have been revived on the grand double staircase and upstairs foyer.
New toilet facilities have been installed including a disabled one in the main foyer.
The whole building has had a thorough clean up, with carpets, still the Odeon 80's style, having specialist cleaning treatment. The feeling of walking back into the main auditorium, Screen 1 again after nearly 3 years of being boarded up was brilliant and everything looks fresh,even though for now a lot of the original carpet and seating has been retained.
The seating has been been re-upholstered and is very comfortable although new seats with better leg-room may have been better. Reports in the press state they were re-upholstered rather than replaced because they were listed? Although the building is of course listed Grade II I have my doubts this covers the seating as well, particularly since none of it is original to 1937, the majority I would say were from the 70's or early 80's!!
The only current sticking points I would have would be the aforementioned lack of leg-room and also the sound system needs some work. Whilst the sound effects created by such a bombastic film such as Transformers 2 were smashing, when it came to the characters talking there was the old problem of echo and clarity ( a problem carried over from when Odeon ran the complex) I do however think these are just teething problems and should be easy enough to iron out.

Competitive pricing on admission is another sweetener with Wednesdays being only £3.00 all day and over 5,000 have already visited the building in it's first 10 days.

Further refurbishment will continue and Managing Director Mr K C Suri has announced that he will hopefully be uncovering the former Circle Foyer mural which has lay hidden above a false ceiling for over 40 years.

Hurray for Reel and thanks for bringing this grand old lady back to life. I thought this day may never come.

Mr Suri is certainly the saviour of many former city centre Odeons and he is to be congratulated on saving York a true art dec jewel.
Now if only he could havr rescued Chester....city centre traditional cinemas if well maintained and updated offer a far superior experience to the shed like characterless multiplexes

I've just returned from a trip to the Reel (I have to stop calling it the Odeon!) and the transformation, compared to the last days of Odeon, is very marked. The whole place feels warm and clean now. The staff are as friendly as ever and were quite happy to plot out the programme for screen one (the original auditorium). Toilets were clean and smelt fresh (unlike the old days) and, overall, it can be well recommended. The auditorium is certainly looking good. The audience were certainly a bit thin on the ground for an afternoon showing of 'Aliens in the Attic' but I'm told it can still be filled for the blockbusters. Splitting the main house into two would be a shame after all this effort because it would loose one of the most unique features but the fact that this venue has reopened as a cinema seemed so unlikely to happen at one point that I can only wish Reel Cinemas the very best in this venture and trust their judgement as custodians of this fine venue.

According to the York Evening Press, there are plans to create a fourth screen in the former Manager's flat and a restaurant in the former shop downstairs which means the large auditorium using the original Circle will be retained as one space which is good news. There are also plans to use screen 3 as a live performance space in November which is ironic considering Odeon never provided the venue with stage facilities.