What now for the Odeon?

THE future of the historic Odeon cinema has once again been thrown into uncertainty, after proposals to develop a hotel on the site were refused.

Owner Duddingston House Properties (DHP) had hoped to convince councillors to back the demolition of the auditorium in the Grade B-listed building to make way for a new hotel, after a previous planning agreement was rejected by the Scottish Government.

Under its plans the facade and "crush hall" would have been retained, but following the Government inquiry last year it was made clear that the priority was the preservation of the auditorium.

After a heated debate in a packed meeting at the City Chambers, councillors narrowly voted to refuse the application, prompting cheers from the public gallery.

Bruce Hare, director of DHP, said he was "extremely disappointed" by the decision, and the company was now considering its next move.

Members of the local community, who had opposed the demolition, have moved swiftly to call for the building to be bought up by the council in order to stop it falling into ruin.

Hilary McDowell, chair of Southside Community Council, said:" What is important now is ensuring the building is properly maintained. We would again ask that (the council] make sure all work is being done to stop the building deteriorating further whilst a decision is made on its future.

"I think it is time for the council to consider a compulsory purchase order, as it seems clear that DHP are not in a position to develop the building, and are unwilling to sell it on."

It emerged last year that the building had suffered water damage, and since then DHP has carried out work to secure the building. It is understood that a council inspection six weeks ago confirmed the cinema was properly secured against the elements.

Following yesterday's decision it is believed the council will be writing to DHP to remind it of its responsibilities as owner of a listed building. While that should help ensure the survival of the structure, its long-term future remains in doubt.

Concerns about the future of the site were raised by Councillor Eric Milligan during discussion of the application from DHP,

Arguing in favour of the proposal, he said: "The building is lying empty, it is decaying, and we have to ask what is going to happen to the site if this development doesn't go ahead."

A council spokesman said: "It is too early for us to consider seriously the option of compulsory purchase."