Aparthotel plans for former cinema approved

Plans to knock down a former cinema and replace it with a 145-room aparthotel have been approved.

The Odeon in George Street, Oxford, closed earlier this year and is now set to be demolished to make way for a £37m redevelopment.

London-based property consultant Marick Real Estate was appointed by Oxford City Council to develop the site in 2023.

The new aparthotel will offer fully-furnished apartments with en-suite kitchens, whilst a community space will be installed on the buildings ground floor.

Cllr Ed Turner, the council's finance and asset management chief, said the authority's approval of the plans was an "exciting milestone" for the project.

"This regeneration will revitalise the area, provide much-needed accommodation relieving pressure on family homes, and create a dedicated community space."

"I look forward to seeing more detailed plans emerge as the team moves forward," he said.

Andrew Heselton, from Marick Real Estate, added: "We are pleased to achieve this important milestone and look forward to developing the design, securing third-party agreements, and procuring our construction partner for this scheme prior to commencing the works in early 2026."

The aparthotel will be operated by Staycity Group under their lifestyle Wilde brand, whilst the community space is being developed in partnership with Makespace Oxford.

Odeon's lease of the building ran out in September.

It said it had been "truly proud" to serve cinemagoers and "bring years of movie magic to the community".

It opened as the Ritz Cinema in 1936 operated by Union Cinemas, and went through several owners over the decades before becoming an Odeon in 2000.

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