Back to the future

SIGN of things to come . . . the new cinema is almost complete

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ODEON boss Duncan Reynolds has praised the regeneration of Oldham's old town hall as a pioneering venture.

The managing director for Odeon and UCI Cinemas in the UK and Ireland said this was the first example of Odeon building a cinema complex from scratch inside an historic, listed building. He also praised Oldham Council for its "vision and determination" in redeveloping the old hall for new leisure uses while retaining key architectural features.

Mr Reynolds plans to be at the cinema's official opening night on October 21 to help cut the ribbon. Speaking exclusively to the Chronicle ahead of the opening, he said: "Oldham is one of the biggest towns currently without a cinema. There has been no Odeon in Oldham since 'Return Of The Jedi' was being shown in 1982. As the opening of big, out-of-town cinemas is coming to an end, cinema operators are now looking for other opportunities in towns, such as Oldham, where we think there is a strong justification to open six or seven-screen cinemas.

"At the moment, people in the Oldham area have to travel to Rochdale or Ashton to visit the nearest cinemas, or Manchester city centre. We think there is a strong market for cinema in Oldham and see some similarities with other towns such as West Bromwich, where we recently opened a new Odeon.

"When Oldham Council approached us with the ideas for the old town hall, we were really excited. Odeon has got a long history and heritage, and we thought the idea to regenerate the old town hall with Oldham Council was fantastic. Some original Odeon cinemas have become listed buildings over the years but the Oldham project has been the first time that we've created a purpose-built cinema from scratch inside a Grade II-listed building.

"It's thrown up all kinds of construction and technical challenges, the biggest of which was how to fit seven screens into the building.

"The layout inside is unlike anything we have done before and we have retained a lot of old features. For example, one cinema is in a former courtroom and still has the balcony where the judge used to sit. The interior fit-out is great and the whole development has really taken on the feel of a cinema recently."

He paid tribute to Oldham Council for bringing the old town hall back to life, adding: "The council had the vision to renovate the old building and bring a cinema to the town centre. Their input has been absolutely fundamental. The council has been enthusiastic and determined and must take significant credit for this."

Mr Reynolds said the new venue will show a wide range of films, from the latest blockbusters and family favourites to Bollywood movies, niche productions and special events. The individual cinemas can cater for audiences from 60 to over 200.

A total of 40 jobs have been created and 350 people applied for positions. Staff are being trained at Odeons in Rochdale and the Printworks in Manchester. Some have come from other cinemas and others through the Get Oldham Working campaign.