The Odeon
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.
Image credits: HaworthTompkins
A moment of progress after years of challenge
Previous redevelopment plans for the building became not viable 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.
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.
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
Image credits: HaworthTompkins
Next Steps
Following Cabinet approval, and subject to Full Council approval in May, the next phase of the project will include:
- detailed architectural design up to RIBA Stage 3
- continued engagement with arts groups, community organisations, residents and potential operators
- strip‑out works and asbestos removal across the whole building
- further development of a sustainable operating model and business plan
- preparation of a planning application
Further information
Access the full Cabinet report here.
Email: economicdevelopment@ashford.gov.uk
Community support for the plans
Gregory Daines, Form & Thought Arts Collective, Ashford:
“Bringing the old Odeon back to life as a theatre and gallery would be a huge boost for the town’s creative community. We strongly support the proposal and the opportunities it would create for local artists, audiences and cultural events in the town centre.”
Alan Stamp, Ashford Theatre Society:
“This is such an exciting project to be happening for our town and will be an incredible opportunity for our thriving theatre arts scene across the borough. As well as providing a boost for the town’s economy, the theatre space will provide a much needed and dedicated place for performances of all kinds throughout the year.”
Geoff Mathews from Soundcraft Hifi:
“I am fully supportive of this scheme. As traders on the Lower High Street for many years, we have felt the impact of the building standing empty more than anyone. Bringing it back into use would make a significant difference - it would revitalise the whole area, increase footfall, and help our businesses continue to thrive. I have many fond memories of visiting the venue over the years, and it would be wonderful to see it reopen as a cultural space once again. The sooner we can get the lights back on, the better. Parking is certainly not an issue.”
Melissa Dawkins of Made In Ashford:
“I’m really excited about this project and the plans being put forward. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the town. I’m so pleased the Council is bringing the building back into use and keeping it as a creative space for the community.”
Alex Bartlett of Glasshouse:
“As an Events Coordinator, I see every day how important it is to have vibrant arts and community events at the heart of our town centre. Projects like this breathe new life into Ashford, giving people more reasons to come together, discover something new, and enjoy everything our area has to offer. This feels like a fantastic step forward, building on the momentum of other cultural initiatives already bringing energy and creativity into our town.”
Debra McGee of Revelation Ashford:
“Having a creative venue right next door to St Mary’s Church gives Ashford a real chance to build a strong, connected cultural quarter in the heart of the centre. As Revelation, and organisers of Create Music Village where we programme creative work in multiple venues, we’d be very keen to use the former Odeon to bring some new exciting theatre or gigs to the town. Bring it on.”
Ben Hammond of The Ashford Cinema:
“The more Ashford can offer in the town centre to support both the daytime and evening economy, the better it is for everyone. At The Ashford Cinema, we’re proud to have become a cultural destination of choice, and we’d welcome the chance to be part of an even broader cultural offer for the town.”
