Oxford Odeon cinema aparthotel replacement plan unveiled

Oxford City Council approved a £37million scheme in July last year which would turn the top five building floors of the former cinema in George Street into hotel apartments with en-suite kitchens.

Applicant Marick Real Estate Limited submitted the proposed design to Oxford City Council last week.

READ MORE: Clarks shoe shop in surprise reopening in Abingdon

The cinema is the third Odeon to close in Oxfordshire, following Banbury and the 99-year-old Magdalen Road theatre.

County councillor Damian Haywood, of the Iffley Fields & St Mary's division, said: "We have an opportunity to make a statement, a building which is in keeping with Oxford's architectural heritage, but yet again planners go with the bland, unexciting, non descript option.

"It is very disappointing."

Damian Haywood. (Image: Ed Nix.)

Commenting in a public social media post, Mr Haywood added of the design: "That's pretty ugly."

In a planning paper, the applicant said: "The proposal has undergone extensive consultation with the local planning authority, the local community, and wider stakeholders.

"The community space at 38-40 George Street will be available for rent and hire at affordable rates.

"It will also host events and activities in partnership with local groups, offering an inclusive and publicly accessible community venue.

Existing and proposed view on George Street. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

"Redeveloping the Odeon site presents a valuable opportunity to create an inviting gateway into Gloucester Green from George Street, extending to the bus station and Gloucester Street beyond.

"The proposed edges of the site along George Street, St. George’s Place, and Gloucester Green are designed to be active, vibrant, and permeable, enhancing the future pedestrian routes and movement in the vicinity."

County councillor Susanna Pressel, who represents the Jericho & Osney division, said: "I went to a public consultation event about this planning application last month and asked a lot of questions.

Susanna Pressel. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

"I know that local residents are delighted to think that they might be getting a public space on the ground floor, which they can hire for meetings, social events and classes.

"They feel very hard done by, because this is the only part of the city with no community centre.

"I have just helped to set up CORA (Central Oxford Residents' Association) which was launched last week, and which is being run by local residents.

"This is an exciting time. If these plans are approved by the city council, it is essential that local residents are involved with running the new public space."

The existing Odeon on George Street. (Image: Oxford City Council.)

The aparthotel will feature around 145 rooms, and these will be built on the upper five stories of the building, with a reception on the ground floor, including a bar and café.

Aparthotel rooms are different from those at a normal hotel as they offer furnished apartments, with an en-suite kitchen featuring a cooker and fridge.

Help support trusted local news 

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber you will get:      

• Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website   
• Advert-light access       
• Reader rewards       
• Full access to our app

About the author

Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political stories from across the county. 

She began working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.

Noor was trained at the News Associates journalism school and can be found on X through the handle @NoorJQurashi