Save the Paramount / Odeon Cinema: Here’s hoping

Posted on 5 February 2007 by Aidan O'Rourke

Disused Odeon cinema Oxford St Manchester

Disused Odeon cinema Oxford St Manchester

The Cinema Theatres Association are to apply urgently for the Paramount / Odeon Cinema on Oxford Street to be spot listed at Grade II.

It has been discovered that the interior plasterwork, thought to be lost, is actually in very good condition. A press release gives a detailed and authoritative description of the building, which appears to be even more valuable and unique than I had realised.

It is shocking that Manchester City Council would consider allowing the destruction of this precious piece of cinema history and a major architectural asset from the 20th century.

It was pioneering in its time both in its design, influenced by American picture houses, and in its size. Built at the beginning of the 30′s, the Paramount was a major statement of Manchester’s importance as a city of cinema-goers.

Can the so-called ‘original modern’ city be clueless enough to destroy one of its most original and – by the standards of the era in which it was built – most modern buildings?

See my article on the demolition of the Paramount / Odeon in the articles portfolio on the www.aidan.co.uk site.

Visit the website of the Cinema Theatre Association, which has members all over the UK and beyond.

This entry was posted in Eye On Manchester, buildings at risk. Bookmark the permalink.

5 Responses to Save the Paramount / Odeon Cinema: Here’s hoping

  2. Aidan O\'Rourke says:
    7 February 2007 at 2:55 pm

    Thanks for the reference to those pictures, they are great.

    The Odeon Cinema is a priceless piece of 1930\’s style. I\’m in the Local Studies Unit of the Central Library – another 1930s building – and can just see the Odeon/Paramount out the window.

    How much longer will the sun shine on that wonderful facade? For Manchester City Council to approve the demolition of this building would be another case of civic vandalism.

  3. Felicity says:
    20 May 2007 at 4:40 pm

    Hello I am a Researcher looking into the Odeon in Manchester and I was wondering whether anyone would be interested in posting their memories of the cinema?

    Think of things such as what films you remember, how old you were, any other stories that might be of interest.

    I am looking into what role the Odeon plays with in the local community. Any comments or thoughts are greatly welcomed.

    I hope people will participate and I look forward to your feedback

    Thank you

    Felicity

  4. Robert R Hipps says:
    25 May 2007 at 11:07 pm

    I visited the Odeon cinema many times from 1951 to 1953 as i was stationed at Burtonwood AFB.One Movie I remember seeing there was. The Greatest Show on Earth, a movie abought the Barnum Bailey Cirus, Staring James Stewart,Charlton Heston and Betty Huton. A Young Lady named Eunice Blease and I Went many times.

  5. Robert R Hipps says:
    25 May 2007 at 11:24 pm

    I Went to the Odeon theater in 1951 to 1953. I remember seeing The Greatest Show on Earth Starring Jimmy Stewart,Betty Hutton and Charlton Heston. A young lady named Eunice Blease and I went there many Times.As I was ststioned at Burtonwood AFB at Warrington.

Leave a Reply