Momentum builds as Ashford Odeon revival moves into its next phase

Ashford’s iconic former Odeon is moving closer to a new future as a cultural and community venue, with strip-out works progressing, updated designs completed and the search for an operator set to begin.

The council is preparing to promote the opportunity locally and nationally, marking an important step towards bringing the much-loved building back into active use while celebrating its heritage and place in the town.

Cllr Noel Ovenden, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: “This is an exciting moment for the Odeon project. With works progressing, new designs completed and the search for an operator about to begin, we are building real momentum and moving forward with confidence.

“People have waited a long time to see this landmark building brought back into use, and we are now seeing real progress towards creating a cultural and community destination that Ashford can be proud of for generations to come." 

The council has appointed Blue Horizon Venture to help find an operator for the venue. Early market engagement is due to begin in August, with the opportunity promoted through industry publications. Formal procurement is expected to start in September, with the aim of identifying a preferred operator by early 2027. This will help ensure the final design works for both the operator and the community.

Blue Horizon Director Julian Russell said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been appointed by Ashford Borough Council to support the search for an operator for this outstanding venue. The Odeon is one of the town's most iconic buildings and presents a rare opportunity to create a vibrant cultural destination that can serve the community for generations to come.

“We're excited to be working alongside such a committed and talented project team, all of whom share a clear vision for the building's future. Our role is to identify an operator with the right experience, ambition and credentials to unlock the full potential of the venue—someone who can successfully balance commercial sustainability with meaningful community engagement, while celebrating the building's heritage and helping establish Ashford Arts Centre as a year-round cultural and social hub at the heart of the town centre."

Haworth Tompkins has completed the latest concept design stage. The designs now include a revised entrance, improved kitchen and bar arrangements, a flexible meeting and gallery space, and the retention of an original Odeon sign feature in the flooring. The performance space capacity has also increased, with room for up to 176 seated or 212 standing, while the upstairs ballroom could accommodate around 185 people.

Strip out and asbestos removal works are progressing well. Work has moved from the upper floor and ballroom to the ground floor and main auditorium. The team has also uncovered building features which have helped shape the design, including the opportunity to reinstate the barrel-vaulted ceiling in the ballroom.

Community engagement is also helping to bring the building’s story to life. Local historian Ann Austin has started collecting memories from residents, with further sessions continuing through August and September. Items already shared include a replica usher cap and handmade tickets linked to a former Odeon employee who worked his way from usher to head projectionist.

The project now moves into RIBA Stage 3 design, with a planning application expected in September. Strip-out and asbestos works are also due to be completed in September, alongside public consultation and a pre-planning exhibition, before the project is reported to Cabinet and Full Council in October 2026.

Capturing memories from the Odeon’s wonderful past

As plans for the building move forward, the council is continuing to collect memories, photographs, tickets and memorabilia to help celebrate the Odeon’s history and inform future design ideas, programming, exhibitions and creative projects.

The next community drop-in session will take place on Saturday 22 August 2026, 9:30am – 2:30pm, at Ashford Gateway Plus, Church Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1AS.

For further information about the project, visit our dedicated Odeon webpage.