Odeon

Originally a large, almost square building broken only by a large fin tower in the centre carrying the name Odeon horizontally at roof level, the exterior cream faience tiles and brickwork reflected the art deco style of architect Harry Weedon. Inside, through a squat triple-doored entrance into a low rounded foyer, was a comparatively plain but fine auditorium. The central feature was a large dimpled "canopy", interestingly lit, over the proscenium stretching back almost to the plain balcony front, the proscenium sides being curtained. One lighting cove, also dimpled, ran the width of the auditorium, and a dado of diagonally set tiles followed the seating levels. There was a generous stage, dressing rooms and orchestra pit with rails. In 1972, the cinema was tripled and stage use lost, together with original architectural features. The cinema closed in 2001 and the building remained unused until its conversion to retail use in 2004. The original exterior remains intact, with the exception of the external Odeon fin that was lost during a storm in the very early 1960s and never replaced, and most of the interior art deco styling has been retained.