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Search the Public Notice PortalTHE owner of the former Odeon site has been contacted by Colchester Council after a group of teenagers – who are now under investigation by the police – allegedly broke inside.
The building, which was Colchester’s main cinema from 1931 until it closed in 2002, has lain empty for nearly 25 years and has been plagued by anti-social behaviour.
Plans for it be knocked down were rejected several years ago and, more recently, legal issues have prevented work started on the converting the listed building into a 120-bed hotel.
A spokesperson for Colchester Council has now said they have contacted the owners of the site, BluMarble Property, to request they secure the building to prevent members of the public from getting inside.
The spokesperson also confirmed they have not served the owner with a Section 215 notice, which forces a landowner to tidy up a property.
They said: “Council officers have contacted the owners of the former Odeon building regarding the security of the site and are awaiting a response.
“The council will continue to engage with the owners to ensure the site is appropriately secured and to explore opportunities to bring this important city centre site back into beneficial use.
“Section 215 notices can be used in certain circumstances where the condition of land or buildings is having an adverse impact on the amenity of the surrounding area.
“Whether such powers are appropriate depends on the specific circumstances of each case – the site is privately owned, responsibility for its security rests with the owner.”
The council also addressed concerns about the delays to the development of the Odeon more than two years on from the local authority approving an application to convert the building into a Moxy hotel.
Colchester Council previously said “minor amendments” to the original planning application were required so Marriott Hotels could proceed with the development, but as yet no changes have been put forward.
The spokesperson continued: “The council has not received any further amendments or applications relating to the approved scheme.
"The site remains in private ownership and any decisions about bringing forward development proposals rest with the owner.
“The council remains committed to supporting the regeneration of this important city centre site and would welcome proposals that bring it back into active use.”
Meanwhile, an Essex Police spokesperson said enquiries into the incident which allegedly involved several people trespassing in the Odeon are ongoing.
They said: “Police were called at around 7.35pm on Monday, August 31 following reports of children on the roof of the disused Odeon cinema in Crouch Street, Colchester.
“During subsequent enquiries, an allegation of verbal threats made towards a member of the public was reported and a crime was recorded.
“Enquires are ongoing.”
Anyone with any information about the incident should contact Essex Police on 101 and quote incident 1124 of August 31.
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