St Albans MP Anne Main backs London Road cinema project (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

St Albans MP Anne Main backs London Road cinema project

3:03pm Monday 30th November 2009

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AN AMBITIOUS project to transform the dilapidated Odeon in London Road into an art deco cinema has won the backing of St Albans MP Anne Main.

Mrs Main was among hundreds of film fans who turned out to a public meeting yesterday to hear outline plans for a new cinema to replace the Odeon, which closed 15 years ago.

Speaking after the meeting at the Rex in Berkhamsted, Mrs Main said: “It was great that so many people were willing to turn out on such a horrible Sunday to discuss the future of the Odeon.

"I hope the project will be a huge success as there was a lot of goodwill in the room.

"It was a capacity crowd, with people sitting in the aisles and even a number having to stand out in the foyer, all brought there by a passion to see life breathed back into the Odeon.

"There were people there from the Civic Society, as well as local councillors and residents, all committed to supporting this project."

A consortium led by James Hannaway, the chief executive officer of The Rex cinema in Berkhamsted, confirmed it had agreed to buy and refurbish the run down building in London Road earlier this month.

But Mr Hannaway told supporters they must contribute towards the £1 million cost, which needs to be raised by mid-January ahead of a purchase completion date of February 15.

Mrs Main added: "Given the passion for the project, I am sure many will be willing to help.

Mr Hannaway was also keen to stress that the one of the best possible ways sustain the cinema over the coming years will be for everyone to support it by watching films there. After numerous failed, expensive attempts to come up with a solution for a city centre cinema, I very much hope they will.”

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