Curtain could rise once more at iconic cinema
FREEMAN Street's iconic cinema could be making a comeback, after five years spent away from the limelight.
Grimsby's former Odeon cinema could be restored to its former glory by Shropshire-based businessmen Trevor Harris and his son, Anthony Harris.
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The old Odeon cinema in Freeman Street.
The pair have submitted an application to North East Lincolnshire Council's licensing section for permission to run a three-screen cinema.
Although the deal is not yet complete and the pair are still in the process of purchasing the site, it is hoped they can revive the former landmark, which has been empty since its closure in November 2004.
Anthony Harris said: "Obviously, nothing is definite at the moment and it is still in the early stages.
"But we've certainly got plans and, although a deal has not yet been done, everything is in place."
So far, local businesses have welcomed the developments.
Vanessa Fenwick, a barmaid at the Freeman Arms pub, said: "Cleethorpes is a long way out of the way to go to the cinema.
"It would be brilliant to see ours reopen and I certainly think it would help other businesses in the area."
Alan Monce, owner of Diana's World Of Minatures, opposite the cinema, said: "It would be absolutely excellent for the area if it works out.
"It would bring new people into Freeman Street, who wouldn't come here otherwise, and so it can only be a good thing."
The plans come as several other premises in Freeman street are in the process of being reopened, including the nearby Wellington Arms.
Coun Geoff Lowis, portfolio holder for regeneration, said: "These are very encouraging signs that people want to invest in the area.
"This is another step in the right direction for the regeneration of Freeman Street."
25 Comments
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by Raymond, Ritz....ABC Cleethorpes
Monday, July 06 2009, 8:12AM
“tarkley......take a look at my website for pictures of the ABC (RITZ) Cleethorpes”
by tarkley, near by
Saturday, July 04 2009, 8:00PM
“what happenned to the abc near blundell park? was it always called that?i remember goint to see thunderbirds there the day bobby kennedy was murdered,it was 88F te hottest day for years.i was 9.”
by Raymond, Grimsby
Saturday, July 04 2009, 8:41AM
“In reply to A Grimlander, yes the Regal was built on the site of the Prince of Wales Theatre in 1937.David (Peterborough)...yes the original Odeon was on Victoria Street (formerly Savoy, Gaumont) but it closed as the Focus in 1977.”
by JB, Grimsby
Friday, July 03 2009, 11:22PM
“Raymond Emsley, Grimsby. Thank you very much for sharing your archive of local cinemas with us. It's a treasure trove and very much appreciated.
I wish Trevor Harris and his son every success in their endeavour and would hope that they consult with you Raymond.”
by Andy, at home.
Friday, July 03 2009, 6:33PM
“The old cinema closed IMMEDIATELY after the Cleethorpes one opened, which I thought was too hasty. I find it a drag to travel on the bus to Cleethorpes, so I'd be happy for the Grimsby site to re-open.”
by AC, Grimsby
Friday, July 03 2009, 5:22PM
“This would be great news for the Grimsby area and would hopefully rival Parkway Cinema in better value ticket prices and food and drink as well as customer service. Parkway Cinema prices seem to go up all the time. Good luck with the new venture to all involved! :-)”
by David, Peterborough
Friday, July 03 2009, 1:56PM
“I thought the Odeon was in Victoria St?”
by A Grimlander, Grimland
Friday, July 03 2009, 12:58PM
“Thank you Raymond. The GY journal of record SHOULD keep the record straight. Wasn't the Regal built on the site of the Prince of Wales theatre? And remember when we had the Savoy up town (not 'Top Town'), as opposed to Freemo's Regal?”
by Raymond, Grimsby
Friday, July 03 2009, 12:35PM
“In reply to Margaret Flett, the Regal changed it's name a number of times over the years. The first time in 1961 to ABC Grimsby then later was taken over by EMI,Cannon,Virgin, ABC again for a short period and finally Odeon.”
by margaret flett, fiveways
Friday, July 03 2009, 11:28AM
“My husband has just said he thought that was the Regal Cinema, or did they change it's name like with the leaking boot, not sure.???Margaret...”