Demolition plans for cinema submitted to council

Proposals to demolish a cinema in a town centre have been put forward to the local council.

North Northamptonshire Council will make a decision on whether to demolish the Odeon cinema, in Kettering, after receiving a planning application.

Earlier this month, film fans gathered to protest against the potential loss of the venue.

Augur Group, which owns the building, said that over the past five years attendances had "dropped significantly", and the cinema was "no longer viable" and would close early next year.

The cinema, located on the leisure park near the A14, first opened in the 1990s.

However, its owner, Augur Group, cited significant challenges facing the cinema industry, including the impact of the pandemic and the rise of streaming services.

The group also said competition from the Cineworld at Rushden Lakes had "compounded" difficulties in Kettering.

In August, Labour MP for Kettering Rosie Wrighting said she was "extremely concerned" by the news.

Odeon said it would vacate the site by February 2025, with its focus now on supporting staff affected by the closure.

The demolition plans also included the nearby pub, Hobson's Choice.

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