Newcastle Odeon Cinema will not have listed status restored

Jan 28 2010 by Tony Henderson and Adrian Pearson, The Journal

A DECISION was finally taken yesterday on the listing of an under-threat historic cinema – after a delay of more than four years.

The Government has ruled out restoring listed status to the former Newcastle Odeon, but the delay in making the decision was last night branded “ridiculous.”

Newcastle Odeon cinema as it stands today

Newcastle Odeon cinema as it stands today

Newcastle Odeon cinema when it was the Paramount in 1931

Interior of Newcastle Odeon cinema when it was the Paramount in 1931

Interior of Newcastle Odeon cinema when it was the Paramount in 1931

Kenneth More on a visit to Newcastle Odeon Cinema

Newcastle Odeon cinema in 1970

An advert for the film Holiday Inn at the Odeon Newcastle from the Evening Chronicle

Newcastle Odeon cinema when it was the Paramount around 1950

The news came on the same day council bosses washed their hands of any involvement in the plans, claiming they had no powers to prevent the demolition.

The Journal reported yesterday how the 1931 former Paramount cinema in Pilgrim Street in Newcastle, later renamed the Odeon, was listed in 2000.

But after an appeal by then owners Cinven it was taken off the list, sparking a campaign to re-list the building.

Meanwhile the interior was stripped and developers Brookfield are now seeking demolition. At a Newcastle Council executive meeting leader John Shipley said that as far as he knew the council had no power to prevent the developer changing the site.