Campaign mounts against Chester nightclub plan

Dec 31 2009 Chester Chronicle

HUNDREDS of people have protested against a bid to turn Chester’s former Odeon cinema into a nightblub.

Plans by the Brook Group for a club, piano bar, restaurant, single screen cinema and café have sparked petitions and a deluge of objections to Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Protesters say people don’t want another drinking establishment and instead would prefer a cultural venue given the absence of a theatre and cinema.

Pat Tripney of Lea-by-Backford said in her objection: “Chester is a cultural desert at the moment. There are enough nightclubs, one is certainly not needed in the centre of the city.

“The Odeon is part of the city’s heritage and is the ideal building for a much-needed arts centre.”

The Odeon Action Group, led by City of Chester MP Christine Russell, has spearheaded a campaign to stop the former Odeon cinema being turned into a nightclub.

The group would love the local authority to buy the building for conversion into a multi-purpose arts venue, including a two-screen cinema, for the benefit of the community.

Ms Russell said: “It’s not just the film buffs that have objected, it’s all ages, all sections of society and thousands of people have signed up to the Facebook campaign.”

Ms Russell is supportive of those behind the Facebook campaign who want the Odeon turned into a live music venue, although she believes another building could be more appropriate.

The Odeon Action Group wants everyone opposed to Brook’s application to contact Nial Casselden at Development Control, Chester Area Office, Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Forum, Chester CH1 2HS or email at nial.casselden@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.