Odeon Newcastle: Our footage from inside the cinema as it closed for good in 2002

  • Tyne Tees
The former Odeon Cinema in Newcastle which is set to be demolished Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

After standing derelict for 14 years, the former Odeon cinema, in Newcastle is set to be demolished.

The cinema, which started life as The Paramount, in 1931, is to be knocked down as part of plans to regenerate Pilgrim Street.

As the final curtain fell on the cinema in 2002, ITV Tyne Tees stepped inside to speak to staff.

Newcastle City Council said demolition work is due to start on November 1.

A Newcastle City Council spokesman said: “The council received a demolition notice on Monday, October 10th from Bilfinger GVA, on behalf of its client Motcomb Estates Ltd, in relation to the former Odeon cinema on Pilgrim Street and relevant notifications to neighbouring occupiers.

“We understand from Motcomb Estates that is the first stage of their plans to redevelop the area. East Pilgrim Street has been a priority for the council for a number of years as it is one of the most strategically important areas of the city centre."

The former cinema opened as The Paramount in 1931, before being bought out by Odeon in 1939. The Newcastle cinema closed in 2002 as a new multiplex opened in the Gate. The Gate’s cinema is now operated by Empire.