Harrogate Odeon for refurb/improvements for 80th anniversary

First opened in 1936, the extensive refurbishment comes three months before the scheduled launch of a new five-screen Everyman in the former site of the now demolished Beales department store at the corner of Albert Street and Station Parade.

The improvements, which include installing more leather seating, also coincide with plans for celebrations of this grade II listed building’s 80th birthday.

Harrogate Odeon manager Kevin Langford said: “We’re all excited about the refit and in our 80th year in the town continuing to deliver what our guests want. Everyone should watch out for our birthday celebrations. It’s going to be very exciting.”

Famed for its tall slender Art Deco fin design, the Odeon is Harrogate’s lone survivor from the golden era of cinema-going and one of its national parent company’s most profitable outlets.

Grumbles have grown from some local cinema-goers about what they say is the tired look of facilities and a lack of investment in athecinema which is arguably one of Britain’s finest Art Deco/Modernist cinemas.

But Kevin Langford said: “All of this work stems from the comments our customers have made to our guest service survey site and the company investing in the Odeon.”

Further improvements are now being carried out each week at the Harrogate Odeon.

Screen four is having new cloth seats installed as well as better sound proofing.

Screen three has not only better sound proofing but also new leather seats and greater leg room.

All foyers and corridors have been repainted, there is new flooring in screens three and four and new carpets on the main staircase and upper foyer.