CINEMA-GOERS say they are delighted that James Hannaway could bring back films to the doomed Odeon in London Road.

Mr Hannaway plans to transform the run-down building into a venue which resembles the 1930's art deco cinema, The Rex, in Berkhamsted, which he saved from demolition in the nineties.

The developer has been in talks with owner of the London Road building, Wattsdown Developments, which put the cinema up for sale more than a year ago with planning permission for a block of 14 flats.

Member of St Albans Civic Society Marion Hammant said: "It's a wonderful surprise. It's tremendous news because the Civic Society never gave up hope on the Odeon. Other people including councillors gave up hope but we stuck with it.

"We knew there was such support from the general public, there's such affection for the place."

Mr Hannaway must strike a multi-million pound deal before he can begin the restoration, estimating that it could cost about £2 million to bring the cinema back to life.

He said investors would cover a third of the cost, but explained financially there was still a long way to go.

Contracts could be exchanged as early as next year.

St Albans residents keen to learn more about the project or make a contribution are invited to a public meeting on November 29 at The Rex in High Street, Berkhamsted, at 12.30pm.