The former Odeon cinema in Weston-super-Mare that was bought by Merlin Cinemas in June opens its doors today, with ‘Napoleon’ kicking off the screenings at 6:30pm.
Plaza Cinema said they were proud to reopen.
“It’s been such an honour to restore some of the magnificent features to your lovely cinema at Weston super-Mare”.
The cinema is the seventh project as part of Weston-Super-Mare’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) Shopfront Enhancement Scheme, with the cinema becoming the first to receive support from the Levelling Up Fund.
Additional work is to begin next year, cleaning the building’s exterior and repairing damages caused by Storm Eunice in 2022.
Cinema goers will also see new shopfronts being installed and the repair of retail kiosks near the entrance.
Councillor Mike Bell of North Somerset shared his excitement on X, saying he was “really pleased” at the news.
The art deco building was originally designed by Thomas Cecil Howitt, opening as The Odeon in 1935. The Compton organ installed at the time also remains to this day.
