Odeon (Paramount)

One of a small group of once large and luxurious ciné-variety theatres developed by Paramount in Britain’s provincial cities and designed by Verity and Beverley. The former Paramount occupies an entire block between Renfield and West Nile Streets and has an imposing art deco frontage in moulded reconstructed stone. Previously painted and partially covered in corrugated metal sheeting, the cladding was removed in 1999 and the façade restored. The remainder is of well-mannered dark red facing brick and the large fly tower to the rear is still very conspicuous.

The interior was completely gutted in 1970 and replaced with a multi-screen arrangement - finally altered to give a total of nine screens - fragments of original plasterwork remain around the building.

Permission was granted in 2007 to demolish the auditorium and replace with a ten-storey glass tower block.