Minister calls in plans for Odeon

Published on Thursday 4 June 2009 09:35

CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating after culture minister Mike Russell ordered an inquiry into plans to demolish a historic cinema.

The city council had already given permission for Duddingston House Properties to convert the former Odeon Cinema, on Clerk Street, into a 231-bed hotel.

But now Mr Russell has called in the application for decision by Scottish ministers. This follows a massive local campaign to save the art deco building, with a petition attracting more than 5,000 signatures.

A report commissioned by Historic Scotland rejected the developers' argument that there was no viable uses that retained the whole building. The Scottish Government will now appoint an independent reporter, who will either lead a public inquiry or consider written submissions from all sides.

Mr Russell said: "A wide range of factors will have to be taken into account, including the current economic climate, but I am sure we can resolve the matter as quickly as possible, without compromising the scrutiny that these applications deserve."

The developers plan to demolish the auditorium of the B-listed building and retain only the facade. As well as the hotel, they would build a restaurant and artists' studios.

Campaigner Sana Bilgrami, who started the petition, said the inquiry was "fantastic news".

She said: "It's my birthday and this is the nicest present I could have. It's quite a turnaround, and we are confident the Odeon will now get the fair and unbiased hearing it failed to get during the council planning process.

"But we are not complacent, and there will be no let-up in our campaign to save this wonderful building."

Tom Pate, of the Theatres Trust, added: "We're thrilled to bits. It was clear really early on that this was something people felt very strongly about.

"A lot of people went to this cinema as kids. They used to look up at the amazing ceiling with its stars, and admire the statues. Compared to the black boxes we're used to today it was a wonderful experience. I'm certain they can find a use for the building."

But local councillor Cameron Rose said he was concerned that the building would continue to lie empty.

He said: "For six years this building has been unoccupied – effectively a planning blight on the Southside community.

"My view is that a viable project retaining the auditorium is unlikely to be found."

No-one from DHP was available for comment.