Odeon Hornchurch
31 High Street,
Hornchurch,
RM11 1TP
31 High Street,
Hornchurch,
RM11 1TP
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Additional Info
Previously operated by: D.J. James Circuit, Eastern Cinemas (GCF), Odeon Theatres Ltd., Rank Organisation
Architects: Leslie H. Kemp, Frederick E. Tasker
Firms: Kemp & Tasker
Styles: Art Deco
Previous Names: Towers Cinema
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Located in Hornchurch, Essex, today a district to the east of Greater London. Opened as the Towers Cinema on 3rd August 1935 screening the double bill programme, “The Phantom Light” starring Binnie Hale and “Vagabond Lady” starring Robert Young.
It was built for and operated initially by the independent D.J. James Circuit and had interior decorations by Clark & Fenn. The Towers Cinema had a fully equipped stage and dressing rooms and a café/ballroom.
By 1939 it had been taken over by another small independent circuit, Eastern Cinemas who in turn were taken over by Oscar Deutsch’s Odeon Theatres circuit in 1943. It was re-named Odeon from 26th June 1950.
The Odeon closed on 6th October 1973 screening the James Bond movie “Live and Let Die” and was converted into a Top Rank Bingo Hall. It became a Mecca Bingo Club and the building was in excellent condition when it was closed on 1st November 2015. Reason for closure was the building had been purchased by Lidl supermarkets to be demolished and a new supermarket will be built on the site. It was demolished March/April 2017.
Contributed by
KenRoe
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Recent comments (view all 6 comments)
Back in 1949-52, while living in Hornchurch, my Saturday mornings were always at the matinee. Upstairs, to avoid the litter from above; a cartoon, newsreel, an episode of Dick Barton, and a main feature. Then I’d walk to the bakery and buy a round loaf, which I demolished on my way home. I recall it was 6d for down and 9d for the balcony. Those were the days! Pete
Recently announced – Mecca has sold this venue to Lidl.
Article about the pending demolition and an effort to save it.
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/mayor/one-of-londons-last-art-deco-cinemas-to-be-bulldozed-and-turned-into-supermarket-a3331996.html
A report in local press and from the CTA, demolition equipment has moved onto the site. They say that they are checking to see if the steel work is rotten. A case of deja a view with the Derby Hippodrome.
By late March 2017 demolition was well underway. I’ve posted four photographs, taken on 27th March by David Weedon.
Once the Lidl supermarket had been built, ‘TOWERS’ signage was put on display at street level. Unfortunately, there is no (obvious) information board, so people who are unaware of the cinema that once stood on this site can, presumably, be rather mystified to see it. It is also unclear whether this is the original signage (which remained in situ, behind the re-branded ODEON lettering) or a recreation. Still, for those ‘in the know’, it is a nice reminder of the site’s former heritage. See photos uploaded.