An explosive new effort to save cinema

Published on Monday 7 March 2011 12:09

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save the former Odeon cinema are set to host an open-air film and fireworks night beside the crumbling building.

The event will take place at St Patrick Square on Saturday, with a series of short films being shown, including never-before-seen footage, on a giant screen.

Several hundred people are expected to come along on the night and popcorn and drinks will be served to add to the "cinema feel". The main feature will be the BAFTA- winning film Local Hero.

The free outdoor event has been organised by Southside Community Council, which is fighting for the historic B-listed building to be restored and reopened as a cinema and arts venue.

Last month owner of the Clerk Street cinema - Duddingston House Properties (DHP) - confirmed that the property agents acting on its behalf had been unable to find a buyer following a four-month marketing campaign.

DHP wants to demolish parts of the building and turn it into a hotel, but the plans were put on ice by a Scottish Government reporter after appeals by Historic Scotland, which said the building should be marketed again in the hope of avoiding any demolition.

Three offers were received, all of which were for less than half the independent valuation of 2.93 million.

Footage of stars arriving at the Odeon for the premieres of The Thomas Crown Affair and Rob Roy will be shown at the event.

Tom Pate, of the Save the Odeon Campaign, said: "Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, Sean Connery and Michael Caine can be seen in the footage.

"The film Local Hero seems quite appropriate because there's an awful lot of local heroes working to save the Odeon. Suddenly the support has mushroomed and it's wonderful.

"The people who make the decisions about these things need to know how strongly the community feels about it."

The building has lain empty since it closed more than seven years ago and its condition is deteriorating.

Chair of Southside Community Council, Hilary McDowell, said: "People going to the cinema used to queue round St Patrick Square and that's why we chose the venue - it's very appropriate.

"We want people to know that the campaign to save the building is happening now and that if they're going to write a letter or put in an objection to Duddingston's plans for demolition, they need to do it now.

"If they don't then we are likely to miss the opportunity to save this wonderful building. It's the one thing in the community that everyone has an opinion on and it's the same opinion - they want this building back in use as a cinema and arts venue."

Behind-the-scenes footage of the cinema in 2003 will also be shown on the 14ft screen as part of the series of short films.

The event is funded by around 10,000 worth of sponsorship.It will get under way at 6pm, with Local Hero starting at 7pm. Fireworks will be set off from the Meadows at 9pm.