Outrage at hotel plans for cinema

Duddingston House Properties wants to demolish the interior of the former Odeon on South Clerk Street, despite pleas to revive it as a cultural centre.

The developers are set to lobby councillors and Historic Scotland to win support for the plans.

However, the city's new planning leader today warned that the scheme may face significant problems because of the sensitive nature of the site.

And the leader of a business consortium trying to buy the building called for the developer to return to the negotiating table.

Duddingston paid more than 2 million for the building in 2003, despite a campaign backed by Sir Sean Connery, Dougray Scott and Brian Cox. It is B-listed, meaning permission is needed for major changes to the interior.

The developer initially planned to create a student housing complex, with a bar-restaurant.

But the firm ran into major opposition over claims a "superpub" would be built, causing the demise of the main auditorium. A later scheme involved the creation of a live music venue and nightclub, but a licence application was rejected by councillors.

It emerged last November that a consortium was being put together to try to take over the building and restore it to its former glory.

Its plans included opening a "boutique" cinema and Orient Express-themed cafe-bar, as well as creating artists' studios.

But within weeks Duddingston pulled out of talks amid claims that the consortium did not have enough financial backing. Rumours have swept property circles in recent weeks that the company wants to sell building.

But Charles Martin, commercial director of Duddingston, said today: "I can categorically state we are not selling the building.

"We are currently speaking to officials at the council over a scheme which would retain the external envelope of the building, and would most likely be for some form of hotel development.

"It will obviously involve some form of demolition inside the building, which is why we've been speaking to the council and are preparing to speak to people in the area, the local councillors and Historic Scotland."

Councillor Jim Lowrie, the new head of the city's planning committee, said: "I'm not sure Duddingston's plans will be a runner. The Odeon building does not appear to be viable as a cinema anymore but the big problems are its B-listing and the fact it is in a residential area.

"It's a very sensitive location for a big development like a hotel and the local people have been heavily opposed to previous plans."

Dale Gibson, who is fronting the consortium, said: "It's a very frustrating situation for everyone.

"We are trying to get another meeting with Duddingston as there is growing concern over the lack of news on the building and its deteriorating condition."

Colin Christison, chair of the Southside Association, said: "There is a lot of backing in the area for what Dale Gibson and his colleagues have been proposing.

"Local people would be very much against any attempts to demolish the interior of the building, which is obviously listed.

"We don't need any more hotels in this area, but some form of entertainment venue that doesn't cause any late-night disruption would be acceptable."