Derelict Thursday - The Old Odeon, Newcastle

This sad-looking art deco building on Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, has a long, interesting history.

It opened as the Paramount Theatre in 1931. With its luxurious lounges, powder rooms, oil paintings, nine-carat gold foyer lights, Wurlitzer organ, large orchestra, and Tiller girls, it offered customers a glimpse of American glamour. It could seat 2,602 people. Designed by Frank T. Verity and Samuel Beverley, it bears a strong resemblance to the Paramount Theater at Aurora, Illinois – Charles M. Fox is believed to have been the interior designer of both.

In 1939 all the Paramount theatres were sold to Odeon, and this particular cinema was rebranded in 1940.

I can remember going to see films like Star Wars in its huge, impressive auditorium. However, in spite of a £3/4m refurbishment in the late 1980s it closed in November 2002 following the building of a brand new cinema complex in the city.

The building was Grade 2 Listed in 1999, partly because of its lavish interior fittings. However it was delisted shortly afterwards and subsequent attempts to get it relisted have failed. Apparently all the interior fittings have been removed.

Four years ago it seemed that it would be demolished very soon, as part of the planned east Pilgrim Street Development, but this has still not happened, seemingly for financial reasons.

(I know that the "Derelict Thursday" challenge is in recession at present, but I thought I'd blip this anyway - in case demolition occurs before I get the chance to do so again!)

There is more information in the following links:

http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/3307


http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/lifestyle/nostalgia/remember-when-newcastles-odeon-cinema-7786313


http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/news/show/2398-curtain-to-fall-on-famous-old-newcastle-odeon-building

http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/newcastle-investment-plan-hits-buffers-6458213