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The work will be funded thanks to a partnership between Merlin Cinemas, Historic England and the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund.
This will be the seventh project to be delivered as part of Weston-super-Mare’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) Shopfront Enhancement Scheme, managed by North Somerset Council. This project however will be the first to include support from the Levelling Up Fund.
The art deco building on Walliscote Road, which opened as The Odeon in 1935, was designed by Thomas Cecil Howitt. It still retains its originally installed Compton organ.
The council’s planning team recently granted permission for improvements to be carried out to the façade of this Grade II listed building.
Work, due to start in the new year, will include:
- specialist cleaning of the cream and black tiled exterior,
- repairing the three former retail kiosks that sit either side of the entrance and installing new glazed and timber shopfronts, and
- repairing some damage caused by Storm Eunice in February 2022.
Councillor Mike Bell, North Somerset Council’s Leader and local ward member, said: “The former Odeon building, recently bought by Merlin Cinemas and re-opened today as The Plaza, is a landmark building of national interest. It’s loved by so many people in the town and further afield, including those with fond memories of watching global artists perform there, including ‘The Beatles’ sixty years ago in 1963.
“I’m delighted that we’ve been be able to allocate this funding as part of our Levelling Up Fund and High Street Heritage Action Zone shopfront enhancement schemes. I very much look forward to seeing the improvements realised.”
Chris Wilkes, property and development manager at Merlin Cinemas, said: “Although we’ve only recently purchased the building, we’re very proud of its history and heritage and all that it means to the local community. We’re delighted to have been offered this funding and we’re excited to work in partnership with the council and Historic England to deliver improvements to this much-loved building. Our aim is to provide space for businesses to once again trade from the three kiosks which occupy a prime location in the heart of the town.”
Rebecca Barrett, Regional Director at Historic England, said: “The cinema played a major part in the story of 20th century Weston, and its striking, distinctively modern style adds character to today’s townscape. We are pleased to support these repairs through the High Street Heritage Action Zone and look forward to seeing the results.”
Weston had two Heritage Action Zones in its town centre thanks to a combined investment of £2m from Historic England. The Great Weston Heritage Action Zone ended in September 2022, while the High Street Heritage Action Zone will continue until March 2024. More information can be found at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/heritageactionzone.
