Plans submitted to convert cinema into open storage

The Odeon in Kettering may be turned into open storage

A planning application has been submitted to convert the site of a closing cinema into an area for "open storage".

Augur Group, which owns the Odeon in Kettering, Northamptonshire, now plans to remodel the site and has sent proposals to North Northamptonshire Council.

Odeon confirmed its Kettering venue on Pegasus Court would close on 28 January and would then be demolished, while announcing that a new Odeon Luxe would open in Northampton next year as it takes over the Cineworld.

"This will immediately bring the [Kettering] land back into productive use, provide new jobs and keep the site secure so that it does not become a magnet for crime and anti-social behaviour," and Augur spokesperson said.

"We have submitted a planning application to repurpose the site for open storage."

'No longer viable'

More than 2,000 people signed a petition to pledge their support for the venue and halt its closure.

But the council approved the cinema's demolition at a meeting in December.

The building's owner, Augur Group, attributed the decision to close the cinema to a "significant drop" in attendance over the last five years, and said the venue was "no longer viable".

The planning application is now with North Northamptonshire council and will be reviewed through the council's standard planning process.