Curtain raised on plans to bring Ashford’s former Odeon/Mecca back to life as a flexible cultural and community venue

Ashford Borough Council is moving forward with plans to bring the former Odeon/Mecca Bingo building back into cultural use.

This major step supports the Borough Plan 2024–28 and answers the community’s strong call for more arts, cultural and performance space in the town centre.

After detailed feasibility work, the Council has created a realistic and financially responsible proposal to transform the front part of the building - including restoration of its art deco style High Street frontage, foyer and first‑floor spaces into a small arts, cultural and community theatre venue. 

This focused approach is based on architectural studies, business planning and contamination surveys, which all show that the front section of the building offers the best immediate opportunity to create a venue, while keeping future options open for the rest of the site.

Cllr Noel Ovenden, Leader of the Council said: “This project marks a major step toward revitalising one of Ashford’s most recognisable assets, along with continuing to create a strong cultural offer for the town, and I’m pleased to see it progressing with real momentum. I fully support the exciting concept design and the initial business plan considerations.”

Honouring heritage, inspiring creativity

Built in 1936 by architect Andrew Mather, the former Odeon is one of Ashford’s most recognisable landmarks. Its brick and stone façade is a key part of the town’s identity, and the Council is committed to protecting it. The design brief focuses on:

• restoring the 1930s frontage as a celebrated local landmark
• highlighting the building’s unique character and history
• creating modern, flexible spaces for small theatre performances, gigs, workshops, exhibitions and community events

This proposal directly responds to proven demand in the Council’s Arts & Cultural Industries Strategy and Local Plan, which show a clear need for flexible creative spaces in Ashford. While the plans do not recreate a full‑scale theatre, they strengthen the town’s cultural offer and avoid competing with larger regional venues.

The Council wants the venue to be a hub that can grow and adapt with the changing needs of the community – supporting creative activity, learning and participation, while also helping to bring more people into the town centre throughout the day and evening.

A moment of progress after years of challenge

Previous redevelopment plans for the building became unviable due to their scale and cost - a challenge shared by many former Odeon buildings across the UK.

This fresh new proposal takes a different route: a smaller, high‑quality and financially achievable Phase 1 project focusing on the High Street facing part of the building.

Essential works, including asbestos removal and structural stabilisation across both the front and rear sections, will help halt any deterioration and keeps options open for future regeneration.

The Council acknowledges that there is strong public interest in the future of this building and the importance of acting now to protect the site, boost cultural activity and support the regeneration of the town centre.

A creative opportunity at the heart of a revitalising town centre

Ashford is a town that is changing - with a growing creative sector, new businesses and a community that continues to support more cultural activity. The former Odeon provides a unique chance to create a public facing cultural anchor on the High Street.

The exciting plans include:

• a flexible performance space for 150–200 people (seated or standing), suitable for music gigs, comedy, spoken word and small‑scale theatre
• a foyer with café/bar and informal workspace
• a gallery and pop‑up creative area for exhibitions and community showcases
• a restored first‑floor ballroom for community use – from workshops and rehearsals to dance classes and wellbeing activities such as yoga and Pilates
• potential for commercial and public hire, including meetings, conferences, weddings and local celebrations
• accessible circulation, improved facilities and modern building systems
• a foyer with café/bar and informal workspace
• a gallery and pop‑up creative area
• a restored first‑floor ballroom for community use
• accessible circulation, improved facilities and modern building systems

Together, these features support the Council’s aim for a thriving mixed‑use town centre, as set out in Our Plan for the Borough 2024–28.

Early market engagement also shows strong interest from creative and community organisations, with the potential for a future operator to help maximise the venue’s social and cultural impact.