Council Approves Demolition of Kettering Cinema Despite Public Opposition

The local council has given its approval for the demolition of the sole cinema in a town, notwithstanding efforts by residents to preserve the establishment. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that North Northamptonshire council issued demolition permission for the Odeon cinema located in Kettering on Thursday. Over 2,000 individuals endorsed a petition, expressing their backing for the site and seeking to prevent its closure. An Odeon cinema patron commented: “To close [the cinema] for the aging population is reducing significantly their ability to enjoy life.” Situated within the leisure park close to the A14, the cinema commenced operations in the 1990s. Rockmount Kettering Limited, the applicant, stated in planning documentation that the cinema would vacate the premises in February 2025, adding that maintaining a cinema’s operation within the structure was “not a viable or feasible proposition”. Documents presented to the local authority further indicated that Odeon “declared their intention to vacate the property”; however, an objection filed by the manager claims they had “no intention” of ceasing operations and were being compelled to leave by the landlords. Another customer remarked: “Many older people attend this entertainment centre not merely to watch movies but to meet up with friends and fight loneliness. “Travelling to other venues particularly at night is troublesome, expensive or scary.” The same customer suggested: “Perhaps instead of selling off this site the council could investigate expanding the options of this venue for additional entertainment possibilities.” As per the submitted plans, the cinema is slated for demolition to “ground slab level with a concrete, level surface” remaining in situ. A distinct proposal for the demolition of the former Hobson’s Choice pub, also situated within the Leisure Park, was retracted two days before the Odeon’s demolition received approval. The demolition work is projected to commence in March 2025 and conclude by the end of May. Concurrently, Cineworld announced plans to close an additional six cinemas, among them one in Northampton, as part of a significant restructuring initiative. The cinema operator disclosed these new closure intentions subsequent to formally finalizing a restructuring plan initiated during the summer to bolster its financial position. The leisure company has not specified the number of jobs that will be affected by these closures. For updates on Northamptonshire news, follow BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.