Last chance for historic Edinburgh cinema building

Thousands of Edinburgh residents have called on Historic Scotland to save Clerk Street's old Odeon cinema after a construction company revealed plans to demolish it.

4700 people have signed the petition on gopetitions which suggests that the building could be saved and used to host digital media events.

The Cinema Theatres Association have described the art deco cinema as "the best surviving example of architecture of its time in the UK".

Although the building is currently a B-listed property, it was in the process of being considered for A-listed status when it was bought by developers Duddingston House Properties (DHP).

However, DHP are convinced that there is no economically viable alternative.

A spokesperson said: “We didn’t buy the building to knock down the auditorium. I’d be delighted if someone would make me an offer for it. We’ve continually said we would consider any credible proposal. But I haven’t seen one yet.”

The plans approved by Edinburgh City Council in December, are now being reviewed by heritage watchdog Historic Scotland.

The developers plan to convert the cinema into a luxury 231 room hotel, with artists' studios and restaurant. While they would preserve the façade and foyer, most of the inside of the building would be destroyed.

Local people are proposing an alternative scheme: to keep it as a cinema, with a film library and cafe. They are calling on Historic Scotland to oppose DHPs plans and to support a public enquiry.

Ewen Bremner of Trainspotting fame, Sir Sean Connery, Brian Cox, James Cosmo and Dougrey Scott are just some of the famous faces who have added their support to the campaign.

The Theatres Trust, Cinema and Theatres Association, and MSPs from across the political divide sent an open letter to Historic Scotland raising their concerns.

The organisation is expected to make a decision in the next few weeks.