COLCHESTER ODEON/REGAL CINEMA
HISTORY
The original Odeon cinema in Colchester was formerly known as the 'Regal Cinema'.
It was designed by Mr. Cecil Masey, whom was well known architect that specialised in the cinema industry,
The Regal was built in cc1931. The structure has a Spanish-style gabled front and before the fire/s had a beautiful and lavish interior also included was a cafe, Wurlitzer organ, and full stage facilities.
The Cinema complex also had flanking shops on the ground-floor at the front facing side of the building to the side of the main and original 'Ticket Sales' area.
The Regal fist opened its doors to the public in February cc1931, originally, (before the building was modified and new screens were added the seating capacity was 1,446 seat. The Cinema was built for the local David Agar circuit.
The Regal Cinema was later taken over by the 'County Cinemas' chain in March cc1935.
Finally the structure was taken over by the Oscar Deutsch chain of Odeon Theaters Ltd. in cc1938. The Regal cinema was closed in cc1944, when it was damaged by a fire, and it remained closed for three months while repairs were carried out.
It was then renamed 'Odeon' in September cc1961.
The building was substantially remodelled in cc1964, ten years later the interior was completely reconstructed to provide three more screens, and it then became known as the 'Odeon film centre' a fourth screen was later added in cc1987 and a further two more in that of cc1991.
Further alterations to the building gave it a 30 per cent increase to its seating capacity.
The original dressing rooms were used as a base for 'Hospital Radio Colchester' that spanned from cc1975 to cc1990.
Live acting performances were also presented at the Regal/Odeon as well as motion pictures.
On the 8th September cc1964, the Rolling Stones played two concerts here at this Cinema/Theatre. It also premiered classic fims such as 'James Bond' and 'Star Wars' !!
the cinema closed in cc2002. and to this day still stands empty in a dilapidated state,
The building was put up for sale in March cc2012.
Colchester's former Regal/Odeon Cinema went up for sale for a sum of £1.5 million GBP.
FUTURE
The future of this structure has continuously been deemed uncertain for a long time. Someone bought the site a while ago and submitted plans to convert it into a night club back in cc2008 ,
The plan was refused - and the owner begun looking at options of demolition and re-development into housing.
If the luxury apartments idea actual goes ahead - the original front facade is written to remain.
THE EXPLORE
We had heard rumours that this site was due to be dem'd and didn't want to miss the opportunity to explore it for ourselves. We thoroughly enjoyed walking around and taking photographs etc..we manged to explore under the floor but sadly we couldn't fit through the access hole to reach the rooftop...and we forgot to go back and go in the attic where after speaking to a former worker of the Odeon - That that's where a shower was installed, and colleagues would sleep up there if the worked weekend shifts to avoid long drives back home to Southend on Sea. We noted a few rooms had been turned into makeshift bedrooms by homeless folk and we found disregarded clothes that had been left behind. Aside from the shear amount of pigeon faeces and a fair amount of graffiti it was still a mess inside that had suffered fire damage as well as an ingress of water damage etc...
DANGERS
Aside from the forementioned pigeon faeces, there was obvious dangers such as holes in the floor (mainly the main screen/theatre area.. and trip hazards.
We did notice ALOT of hyper dermic needles and vials of Methamphetamine etc that were in many of the areas.
FINAL THOUGHTS
We are glad we made the effort to do this explore, it was impressive in size and alot of fun. There were still some remnants of the old Cinema that were interesting to see.
I hope you enjoy the photographs I've added
HISTORY
The original Odeon cinema in Colchester was formerly known as the 'Regal Cinema'.
It was designed by Mr. Cecil Masey, whom was well known architect that specialised in the cinema industry,
The Regal was built in cc1931. The structure has a Spanish-style gabled front and before the fire/s had a beautiful and lavish interior also included was a cafe, Wurlitzer organ, and full stage facilities.
The Cinema complex also had flanking shops on the ground-floor at the front facing side of the building to the side of the main and original 'Ticket Sales' area.
The Regal fist opened its doors to the public in February cc1931, originally, (before the building was modified and new screens were added the seating capacity was 1,446 seat. The Cinema was built for the local David Agar circuit.
The Regal Cinema was later taken over by the 'County Cinemas' chain in March cc1935.
Finally the structure was taken over by the Oscar Deutsch chain of Odeon Theaters Ltd. in cc1938. The Regal cinema was closed in cc1944, when it was damaged by a fire, and it remained closed for three months while repairs were carried out.
It was then renamed 'Odeon' in September cc1961.
The building was substantially remodelled in cc1964, ten years later the interior was completely reconstructed to provide three more screens, and it then became known as the 'Odeon film centre' a fourth screen was later added in cc1987 and a further two more in that of cc1991.
Further alterations to the building gave it a 30 per cent increase to its seating capacity.
The original dressing rooms were used as a base for 'Hospital Radio Colchester' that spanned from cc1975 to cc1990.
Live acting performances were also presented at the Regal/Odeon as well as motion pictures.
On the 8th September cc1964, the Rolling Stones played two concerts here at this Cinema/Theatre. It also premiered classic fims such as 'James Bond' and 'Star Wars' !!
the cinema closed in cc2002. and to this day still stands empty in a dilapidated state,
The building was put up for sale in March cc2012.
Colchester's former Regal/Odeon Cinema went up for sale for a sum of £1.5 million GBP.
FUTURE
The future of this structure has continuously been deemed uncertain for a long time. Someone bought the site a while ago and submitted plans to convert it into a night club back in cc2008 ,
The plan was refused - and the owner begun looking at options of demolition and re-development into housing.
If the luxury apartments idea actual goes ahead - the original front facade is written to remain.
THE EXPLORE
We had heard rumours that this site was due to be dem'd and didn't want to miss the opportunity to explore it for ourselves. We thoroughly enjoyed walking around and taking photographs etc..we manged to explore under the floor but sadly we couldn't fit through the access hole to reach the rooftop...and we forgot to go back and go in the attic where after speaking to a former worker of the Odeon - That that's where a shower was installed, and colleagues would sleep up there if the worked weekend shifts to avoid long drives back home to Southend on Sea. We noted a few rooms had been turned into makeshift bedrooms by homeless folk and we found disregarded clothes that had been left behind. Aside from the shear amount of pigeon faeces and a fair amount of graffiti it was still a mess inside that had suffered fire damage as well as an ingress of water damage etc...
DANGERS
Aside from the forementioned pigeon faeces, there was obvious dangers such as holes in the floor (mainly the main screen/theatre area.. and trip hazards.
We did notice ALOT of hyper dermic needles and vials of Methamphetamine etc that were in many of the areas.
FINAL THOUGHTS
We are glad we made the effort to do this explore, it was impressive in size and alot of fun. There were still some remnants of the old Cinema that were interesting to see.
I hope you enjoy the photographs I've added
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