Odeon hotel 'would attract 100k visitors'

THE developer behind controversial plans to build a hotel on the site of the former Odeon in Clerk Street says it would attract 100,000 visitors a year, including 10,000 from overseas.

Duddingston House Properties (DHP) has applied to the city council for permission to demolish around half of the disused cinema building, including its auditorium. The remainder, including the reception, cafe/bar and crush hall, would be restored, with a new building replacing the demolished section to the rear.

But the move has been unpopular with many local residents, who want to see the entire building restored and brought back into use as an arts and community centre.

The visitor numbers published by DHP were part of a study carried out for the firm by economic development consultancy EKOS. It also said that meeting and function rooms would attract a further 31,500 people to the area each year.