Save the Odeon

Published on Wednesday 15 April 2009 21:57

Historic Scotland is in the process of deciding the fate of one of Scotland's finest cinemas, the Odeon in Clerk Street, Edinburgh. Described by Historic Scotland itself as "an outstanding example of the most famous of cinema specialists, WE Trent", this important B-listed building is subject to a planning application by Duddingston House Properties (DHP) to demolish the magnificent auditorium of 1930 and replace it with a boutique hotel.

Although granted by the City of Edinburgh Council last year, the planning application is now subject to review by Historic Scotland, which can recommend that it be passed or "called in" for decision at a public inquiry.

In May 2008, Historic Scotland stated that demolition of the auditorium "does not represent an acceptable conservation solution" and that it would "expect to see clear evidence that the building is incapable of supporting an alternative use which would allow retention of the auditorium".

The council concluded that the building would not support alternative use with the auditorium retained. However, the evidence is against this. Offers of 1.8 million, 2.75 million, and 2.8 million were rejected in 2006 and 2007 from buyers intent on restoration. So concerned was the council following one rejection that it issued "a very strong letter to DHP", and threatened a compulsory purchase order for the building. The threat was subsequently withdrawn.

Reports by DHP's advisers suggest the offers were rejected principally because they were considered too low, not because the projects were unviable.

Before approving DHP's planning application, the council commissioned an independent consultant to review its findings. The ensuing report was considered too sensitive to be made public. So, without seeing the report, the planning committee approved the application by a split vote of six to four.

Following a Freedom of Information request, the council later made the report public. None of the buyers interested in acquiring the building, or the Theatres Trust, which has a statutory interest in its future, had been contacted to provide evidence. Only the council, DHP and their respective advisers participated.

Historic Scotland has said that the building is worthy of A-listing. Only the current planning application has prevented an upgrade.

Opinion against the demolition of the auditorium is demonstrated by an online petition, which has attracted over 4,300 signatures in three weeks.

The Odeon is too important to lose without proper consideration of the alternatives. This can now only be achieved through a public inquiry.

SARAH BOYACK MSP; RT HON LORD GEORGE FOULKES MSP; ROBIN HARPER MSP; IAN McKEE MSP; SHIRLEY-ANNE SOMERVILLE MSP; (CLLR) STEVE BURGESS; (CLLR) LESLEY HINDS; GORDON BARR, Cinema Theatre Association; SANA BILGRAMI, film-maker; JOHN NEED, photographer; GARY PAINTER, Cinema Theatre Association; TOM PATE, retired theatre manager (Old Vic and Royal National Theatre)

c/o Buccleuch Street

Edinburgh