Chester Odeon identified as preferred theatre site

CHESTER’S former Odeon cinema site has been identified as the preferred location for the city’s proposed new £43m flagship theatre.

Liverpool-based regeneration consultancy Amion said that the Odeon site offers better value for money and that the risks associated with an alternative site at Little Roodee are “significantly greater”.

Amion also recommends that proposals accommodate either a visual arts centre or an alternative cultural facility are also developed as part of a cultural venue investment programme.

Councillor Stuart Parker, Cheshire West and Chester’s executive member for culture and recreation, said the council’s executive would consider the 48-page report before deciding on a site at an executive meeteing due next Monday, October 10.

“The process has, of necessity, been long and detailed – but at last we are on the verge of real progress,” he said.

A third option – the bus station/library site – put forward by Chester In Concert has been rejected on the grounds that the ‘standalone’ development could compromise the viability of development of the remaining Northgate site.

An original theatre feasibility study – carried out by Locum in July, last year – estimated capital costs of £50.5m for the Roodee and £38.3m for the Odeon.

Amion’s latest report factors in additional costs including inflation, highways improvement and securing vacant possission of the sites. It said that costs had increased to £56.8m for the Little Roodee and £43m for the Odeon.

The report said that both sites would offer “broadly similar” benefits, including the creation of £4.1m of GVA to the city’s economy and around 133 full-time jobs, although it is estimated that the venue would run an annual operating deficit of £933,000.

“The creation of a landmark building on the Little Roodee site could create a significant regional and national profile,” the report said. “Conversely, the Odeon site may have a more immediate impact within the core of the city centre.

“Based on the available evidence, the Odeon site is assessed to be the best option – offering better value for money than the Little Roodee.”