Newport's Odeon Cinema gets revamp cash (From South Wales Argus)

Newport's Odeon Cinema gets revamp cash

10:40am Saturday 24th December 2011 in News By Natalie Crockett

ONE of Newport's most iconic buildings is set to get a facelift thanks to a £180,000 council grant.

The money awarded to the former Odeon Cinema on the corner of Clarence Place and East Usk Road will fund the restoration of its historic art-deco façade.

A council report says the grade two listed building, which is set to be reopened as a cinematic museum and community facility, was in a run down state preventing it from being brought back into use.

Together with the aesthetic benefits of the repairs, the works will protect it from the elements and extend its life with the intention of restoring it to its 1938 glory, the report continues.

Work to be carried out includes brickwork cleaning, the replacement of broken tiles, window and roof repairs and replacement doors.

Once completed it is hoped the building will be partly reopened as a museum displaying cinematic equipment and memorabilia.

The £6 million project will include the main auditorium brought back into use for community performances and a projection room to show educational and commercial films.

The existing café will be enhanced and there are longer term plans to offering training in cinema and media.

The £180,000 funding will be provided under the council's civic enhancement scheme.

The remaining £180,000 needed for the project must be match funded but at least £110,000 is expected from conservation charity Cadw.

Councillor David Fouweather said he looked forward to seeing the building restored and once again in use by the residents of Newport.

Cllr Charles Ferris said the awarding of the grant provided a rare opportunity to enhance Newport's visitor offer as well as preserve a "notable example of our pre-war architectural heritage".

Project director Chris Plaister welcomed the money, which will fund the first phase of the work, but said more sponsorship and support was vital to sustain its future and urged the community to get involved.

He said: "It means that the people of Newport can be a part of the project. This is not for me, it's for the people of Newport and Wales."