Former Odeon cinema opens its doors to the public for the first time in 15 years (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Former Odeon cinema opens its doors to the public for the first time in 15 years

6:13pm Saturday 3rd July 2010

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CHILDHOOD memories came flooding back for many residents of St Albans who took a step back in time as they entered a dark and dusty Odeon cinema.

But for others it was the first time they had seen what lies behind the white painted London Road building which was once the most popular cinema in the area.

For two hours the public were invited to tour the cinema which has sat empty for the past 15 years.

Entrepreneur and owner of the Rex in Berkhamsted, James Hannaway, who mounted a campaign which raised £1 million towards restoring it to its former glory, said he organised Saturday's viewing to provide curious residents with the chance to take a look inside.

Queues began to form outside as midday approached. For the two generations of one St Albans family, the Langford's, the next two hours were about to bring a different experience for each.

Val, 45, and Pete, 44, along with their 13-year-old son Sean found themselves at the front of the queue eager to step through the front door.

Val, of Pemberton Close, said: “For me it will be nice to see it again after 15 years.

“I came here throughout my life as a child and now I would like my son to see what it was like too.”

Sean added: “The building has always been here and me and my friends have always said we'd love to have a cinema in St Albans.”

Walking around the narrow corridors and stairwells filled with a strong smell of damp it was obvious to see that Mr Hannaway has a long restoration project ahead of him – with plaster crumbling off the walls and mould forming in the corners.

Visitors were ushered round the dilapidated building being careful where they stepped avoiding shards of glass.

Shirley Moulster, 72, said: “I think having the cinema here again will bring this part of London Road back to life.

“It would be wonderful for St Albans and its emerging generations.”

The foyer, including its ticket kiosk and refreshment bar, the four screens, projection room, bar and other areas which would have only been used by staff were also viewed by members of the public.

Did you step inside the Odeon today? How would you describe your experience? Tell us below.

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