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Odeon (Paramount)

2355

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.

Built / Converted
1934
Dates of use
  • 1934 - 1970
Current state
Extant
Current use
Disused (derelict; multi-screen cinema until 2006)
Address
Renfield Street, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G2 1NF, Scotland
Website-
Further details
Other names
-
Events
  • 1934 Design/Construction:
    Verity & Beverley
    - Architect
  • 1934 Owner/Management: Paramount (Glasgow) Ltd
  • 1934 - 1970 Use:
  • 1941 Owner/Management: Odeon Theatres Ltd
  • 1947 Owner/Management: Circuits Management Association (Rank)
  • 1960 Owner/Management: Rank Theatres Ltd
  • 1970 Alteration: rebuilt as triple cinema
    Dry-Halasz-Dixon Partnership
    - Architect
  • 1986 Alteration: further subdivided (6 screens)
    Unknown
    - Architect
  • 1988 Owner/Management: Odeon Cinemas (Rank Leisure Division)
  • 1999 Alteration: further subdivided (9 screens)
    Unknown
    - Architect
Capacities
  • Capacity
    Original
    Description
    2748
  • Capacity
    Current
    Description
    c.2750
Listings
  • Listing
    B
Stage type
-
Building dimensions: -
Stage dimensions: -
Proscenium width: -
Height to grid: -
Inside proscenium: -
Orchestra pit: -