City centre cinema site redevelopment set for approval

Redevelopment plans would see an aparthotel with about 145 rooms and a reception on the ground floor

The demolition of a city centre cinema has been recommended for approval.

The redevelopment of the former Odeon in Oxford's George Street will be discussed at a city council planning committee later.

It favours an approved £37m scheme which would turn the top floors of the building into hotel apartments and a cultural space managed by Makespace Oxford.

The plans would see an aparthotel featuring about 145 rooms and a reception on the ground floor, including a bar and a café.

County councillor Damian Haywood called the proposed design "pretty ugly" and "very disappointing"

Previously, the proposed design received mixed reviews from councillors.

Oxfordshire County councillor Damian Haywood called it "pretty ugly" and "very disappointing".

But Susanna Pressel, who represents the Jericho & Osney division, said she knew residents were "delighted" at the prospect of getting a public space.

She added that if the city council approved the plans it was "essential" that residents were involved with running the new space and that she had helped set up Central Oxford Residents’ Association.