THE CHAIRMAN of an action group set up to press for the reopening of the Odeon Cinema has issued a statement denouncing the latest plans for the iconic building.
Concerns over proposals to establish a theatre, cinema, performance space, restaurant, a cafe and bars at the Northgate Street venue by owners Brook Leisure Ltd were raised at a recent meeting.
The former Chester MP Christine Russell, chairman of the Odeon Action Group, said: “We object very strongly to this planning application and the proposed change of use as a listed building.
“The space allocated for performance is left in one quarter of the total area, the other three quarters will be what is called cafe/restaurant/bar space, totalling some 2,400 sq meteres.
“This is a huge space for eating and drinking. If approval is given, this could very easily be transformed into a large nightclub.”
She added the proposal for a cinema was not credible because there was no evidence that the applicant has been in contact with any independent film operators.
“The view in the city is Chester already has sufficient large drinking establishments,” she said.
Both community groups are urging residents to put forward their objections against the application to the council by going to its website. The deadline for comments and complaints to the planning application has been extended to March 20.
Previously, Brook Leisure said the move was to support the council’s requirement for a new cultural and arts facility as part of the retail-led Northgate Development scheme.
Jacqui Deans, senior associate at Nathaniel Lichfield & Partners Ltd, planning consultant for The Brook Group, said: “The mix of uses proposed would enable this vacant listed landmark building to be brought back into use as an entertainment venue, as well as creating jobs.”