Major cinema chain to close historic branch for good in just weeks – and fans say it’s a ‘huge loss’
A MAJOR cinema chain is set to close a historic branch in just a few weeks’ time – and fans say it’s a “huge loss”.
The Odeon in Oxford, which opened in 1936, will shut its doors on January 28 amid plans for a huge hotel to take its place.
Formerly named Ritz Cinema, before being acquired by Odeon in 2000, the beloved family cinema is situated on Oxford’s George Street, a major shopping hub.
Nearly 100 locals objected to the plans for a 145-room hotel complex – which would require the historic cinema to be demolished.
This was put forward to Oxford City Council by developers Marick Real Estate.
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, local Karolina Triner said: “According to some, the community has got enough cinemas in the city.
“Unfortunately, not all are accessible for all, as not all are affordable for all.
“We would like to be able to choose between a luxury and an affordable cinema without being pushed to the first one.”
News of the closure circulated last year, with the expectation that this would take place in September, after the lease ran out.
Residents described it as a “tragic loss” and a “cultural wrecking ball” – especially given the closure of another Odeon on Magdalen Street earlier that year.
At around £12.50 per ticket, both were good options for those seeking an affordable cinema experience in the town centre.
The twin closures will instead force locals to visit more expensive boutique cinemas like the Phoenix Picturehouse – or travel further afield to the Vue at the Kassam Stadium.
Odeon, which has over 100 locations across the country, also called time on its Surrey Quays and Covent Garden branches in London this year.
Both sites were due to be redeveloped by the landlord, a spokesperson said at the time.
They added: “Odeon confirms it will be closing its Covent Garden and Surrey Quays cinemas.
“This is due to redevelopment plans at both sites by the respective landlords.
“Supporting our local cinema teams is our number one priority, and we will be looking to secure jobs for as many of them as possible in one of our other local cinema locations.
“We would like to apologise to our guests for any inconvenience this will cause.”
Meanwhile, just this month, the chain also confirmed it would be hiking up the price of its myLIMITLESS package from £17.99 a month to £19.99.
The Sun has reached out to Odeon for comment.