Campaigners opposed to plans to turn one of London’s oldest cinemas into flats today called on Boris Johnson to block the proposal after it was approved by councillors.
Developers Minerva have won permission to knock down the Art Deco Odeon Kensington — apart from its classical façade — and replace it with 42 apartments and townhouses above a seven-screen subterranean movie house. There will also be 20 social housing flats for the elderly.
The decision at a meeting at Kensington & Chelsea town hall last night comes after a quarter-of-a-century-long battle over the future of the 89-year-old cinema.
Don Walker, from the Save the Odeon Cinema campaign, said: “In our opinion this approved scheme is a poor replacement for one of London’s most important cinemas.”
Campaigner Caroline McLean said the Mayor needed to call in the plans, adding: “It remains to be seen whether Boris Johnson is happy that one of London’s main cinemas is replaced by a building with a foyer too small to host a premiere.”
Adam Unger, from cinema preservation campaign group Cinema and Theatre Association, said historic features such as marble staircases, ornate floors and plasterwork would be lost.
Lyn Goleby, managing director of the Picturehouse Cinemas, the chain which will run the new screens, insisted it would still attract premieres.
A Minerva (Holland Park) Ltd spokesman said: “We have collaborated closely with the council and local residents to bring forward a development which will benefit the local community.” The cinema will host its final showing on September 11. The replacement would open in 2018.
