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Demolish the Odeon
DONCASTER'S historic former Odeon cinema could be flattened and replaced with a casino.
Owners Lazarus Properties want to demolish the town-centre art-deco landmark and replace it with a 13million complex containing shops, eateries, a gym, a casino and offices. The Doncaster-based developer has now submitted a planning application for the 75,000 sq ft development.
Lazarus said the scheme was vital for the future of the town centre and would act as a benchmark for future developments in Doncaster.
However, a campaign group, Friends of Doncaster Odeon, is hoping that English Heritage will decide to grant listed building status to stop its demolition.
English Heritage has told the Free Press that it will now fast-track the Friends of Doncaster Odeon's application.
Lazarus bought the former cinema in Hall Gate in March 2008 for an undisclosed sum.
It has remained vacant since the final film was shown last April. If given the go-ahead, it will be the only casino in Doncaster.
Ray Nortrop, leader of Friends of Doncaster Odeon, hopes the group's bid to obtain listed status for the building, which was built in 1934, will scotch Lazarus' demolition plans.
He told the Free Press: "They are entitled to make their application but the decision on our application to have the building listed through English Heritage is about to be made.
"We'll just have to let it run its natural course through planning procedure although the decision on whether the building is listed will arrive before the planning committee can make a decision on the demolition plans," he added.
A spokesman for English Heritage confirmed it had visited the site and was in the process of passing its recommendations for listing to the Government's Department of Culture, Media and Sport for a decision.
"We are aware now that the planning application has been submitted and therefore this is being treated as a priority case," the spokesman said.
In its hey-day, the cinema played host to legendary acts such as The Beatles, Buddy Holly, Little Richard and The Rolling Stones.
Lonnie Donegan's chart hit My Old Man's a Dustman was recorded there in February 1960.
Lazarus has been involved in a number of high profile development schemes in the town centre, including the former Bradford Row - now Lazarus Walk - and Priory Walk.
It is currently building a 12 million hotel in High Fisher Gate and an office block in East Laith Gate to the rear of the former Odeon.
The casino bid is thought to be the first application for a casino made in recent years.
Mayor Martin Winter publicly attacked the idea of "super-casinos" pitching up in the borough in 2004.
He told councillors five years ago that a super-casino may cause job losses at existing pubs and clubs in the town centre by luring away trade and a casino would not be built 'on his watch.'
The council's planning committee will make a decision whether to grant planning permission. No date has been fixed but it is hoped a decision will be made by May 13.
Any new casino will be subject to the premises obtaining a gambling licence under the terms of the Gambling Act 2005.
Doncaster Council's statement of gambling policy document shows the authority has no plans to adopt a "no casinos" policy.
According to the policy, any application will be judged on its individual merits and will take into account factors including its size and proximity to schools.
Glyn Smith of Lazarus Properties said: "This is another example of Lazarus Properties huge investment into helping the regeneration of Doncaster town centre.
"It is vital for the future vitality and sustainability of our town that new business premises that meet current requirements are available within our town centre.
"This scheme will attract new business and investment into the town centre."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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