Odeon building transformation works set to start this month

Built in 1936, the former Odeon is one of Ashford’s most recognisable buildings. Phase one of this project is focused on restoring and celebrating its 1930s High Street frontage, while ensuring the front part of the building once again makes a positive cultural contribution to the town.

Works to strip out asbestos, alongside structural stabilisation, will begin at the end of this month and continue through to September. These essential works will be carried out across both the front and rear sections of the building to halt deterioration and safeguard its key features.

While this important stage of the project is under way, there may be some small-scale disruption, although this will be kept to a minimum. Alleyway access between the Lower High Street and Vicarage Lane car park will remain open throughout. A small section of the Vicarage Lane car park closest to the building will be used as a site compound, affecting around 15 parking spaces.

Award winning architects Haworth Tompkins appointed
Ashford Borough Council (ABC) has re-appointed Stirling Prize-winning Haworth Tompkins Architects, who have also recently been appointed lead architect for the Royal Festival Hall. 

Their appointment underlines the strength of the expert team supporting this project. Appointed alongside Price & Myers, Skelly & Couch, and Bristow Consulting, the team has developed a Strategic Vision and Concept Design that reimagines the historic 1930s cinema as a flexible and welcoming civic asset which is sustainable, accessible, and financially resilient.

This team also includes planning and heritage specialists Lichfields, whose experience includes work on major heritage assets such as Blackpool Tower, the National Portrait Gallery and Warwick Castle, reflecting how seriously ABC is taking the building’s future and the protection of its heritage.

The project builds upon the Council’s ambition to restore the building’s distinctive art deco frontage and bring renewed High Street activation, while creating a range of adaptable spaces for performance, events, creative arts and community use.

The concept design and accompanying business plan were approved at Cabinet in March, marking a significant milestone and enabling the project to move into its next stage of development.

Talking at the time, 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 designs and the initial business plan considerations.”

Lucy Picardo, Director, Haworth Tompkins, said: “We are delighted to be working with Ashford Borough Council and the wider team on a project which places culture at the heart of Ashford’s ongoing town centre regeneration. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to reactivate a much-loved local landmark and return it to public use. Our approach has been to work with the building’s historic character, celebrating its heritage while carefully adapting it to support contemporary cultural and community functions.

“Building upon our extensive experience in delivering cultural heritage projects including 'NT Future’ for the National Theatre, The Weston Studio for Bristol Old Vic and Ustinov Theatre for Theatre Royal Bath, we are well placed to work with all the partners and stakeholders to deliver Ashford Borough Council’s ambitious vision.”

A local historian will soon be appointed to work with Ashford Museum and engage local stakeholders on the scheme. Over the summer, this work will help capture people’s memories of the building and reflect the special place it holds in the community.

Further information about the project can be found on the ABC website www.ashford.gov.uk/odeon including a recent video showing inside of the building ahead of works starting.