The Odeon’s Next Act

The former Odeon on Ashford High Street has had many uses since opening as an Art Deco cinema in 1936. After later serving as a bingo hall, it is now set for its most ambitious chapter yet: becoming a home for the arts in the heart of the town.

Ashford Borough Council is inviting arts and cultural operators to help bring the building into the present day, working with internationally renowned architects Haworth Tompkins to transform this much-loved landmark into a successful, sustainable cultural destination.

This is more than a chance to take over a finished theatre. The council is seeking a long-term lease partner to help shape the project as it develops, influencing how the venue operates and the role it plays in a rapidly changing town.

The proposed Odeon development, now at RIBA Stage 3 and moving towards a September planning application, will help meet that need. The scheme is being designed by Stirling Prize-winning architects Haworth Tompkins.

Haworth Tompkins has helped shape some of the UK’s leading cultural venues, with work including the National Theatre, Young Vic, Battersea Arts Centre, Bristol Old Vic, the Royal Court Theatre and the acclaimed restoration of Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Its involvement underlines the ambition behind the project.

Its approach in Ashford is not to erase the building’s previous life, but to uncover and reuse its strongest qualities, while focusing on low carbon embodiment.

Work has already uncovered original terrazzo floors and mosaics, including a previously hidden Odeon motif. These surviving features will give the new venue historic character while complementing its state-of-the-art refurbishment. At the heart of the building will be a flexible 150–200 capacity performance space, suitable for theatre, comedy, live music, spoken word, festivals, presentations and community events, while retaining the intimacy that makes smaller venues so valuable to artists and audiences.

The auditorium is just one part of the scheme. Plans also include a street-facing gallery and meeting space, with glazed former shopfronts revealing the activity inside from the High Street. In the foyer, a café and bar will serve the community. Picardo describes the space as a “public living room” where people can meet, eat, work or discover an exhibition.

What was once a dance hall on the first floor becomes a second space for rehearsals, performances, celebrations, classes and events.

The council is looking for the right long-term partner, not a short-term management arrangement. Its significant capital investment and proposed shared-risk approach underline the scale of that commitment, while giving the successful operator the confidence and stability to build audiences, partnerships and sustainable income over time.

Nearby housing developments are expanding the potential audience. Ashford also connects urban and rural communities, with strong transport links including high-speed rail to London in 38 minutes and Canterbury in 25 minutes.

Ashford has an active cultural ecology, which includes renowned dance company Jasmin Vardimon, as well as grassroots organisations like Revelation Ashford, Coachworks and Made in Ashford.

The project has already attracted support from prominent creative voices. Award-winning actor Tom Burke, best known for his role as Cormoran Strike in BBC series Strike, sees the potential for the building to nurture the next generation of talent.

Opportunities of this scale rarely bring together heritage, culture, placemaking and regeneration. Fewer still offer such a distinctive building, strong local support, an ambitious council partner, internationally respected architects and backing from recognised creative figures. The stage is set; now Ashford needs the right operator to raise the curtain.

To find out more about this project, and to express your early interest in operating this venue including attending a pre-engagement Teams presentation, please contact Julian Russell julian@bluehorizon-ventures.com or visit www.ashford.gov.uk/odeon.