Council leader calls for action to secure future for Weston's Odeon cinema

9:30am - 24 May 2023
A photo of the Odeon cinema in Weston-super-Mare

The Leader of North Somerset Council is calling for action to ensure the future of Weston-super-Mare's iconic Odeon cinema building, following news earlier this month of its imminent closure. The cinema's operators have announced their intention to close the cinema next month, prompting fears that the Grade II listed 1930s art deco building may fall into disrepair. The building is also one of only two remaining commercially operated cinemas in the country with an original working Compton organ.

Cllr Mike Bell, the council's Leader, has written to Odeon Cinemas requesting an urgent meeting to discuss their plans for the building: "Like many others I am saddened to hear about the closure of the Odeon, having visited many times myself growing up and as an adult. It's such an iconic feature of the town, and a key cultural landmark, it would be a crying-shame to see it neglected.

"I've asked to meet Odeon representatives so that we can find out more about their plans for the building and discuss how we can ensure the building's future is a positive one.

"Weston has a growing population approaching 100,000 people, and with the right investment and promotion we believe the cinema could once again become a real destination for residents and visitors.

"We will share any updates we can when a meeting has taken place."

Weston-super-Mare is currently undergoing a cultural renaissance which is recognised by partnerships with the Arts Council and Historic England. The national SEE MONSTER installation on the seafront last year demonstrated that the town has an appetite for ambitious and interesting programming and can draw in audiences and visitors from the wider region.