Plan To Convert Cinema Into Casino Is Ditched

Plans to turn Glasgow's Odeon cinema into a casino have been scrapped amid uncertainty about new gaming laws.

Developers of the B-listed building say it will now be transformed into a £15million nightclub and entertainment venue instead.

Edinburgh-based firm Duddingston House Properties announced plans last year for the 1930s picture house in Renfield Street to include a large casino, with gambling over four floors.

It would have rivalled Rangers FC's proposals for a £150m Las Vegas-style casino on the doorstep of Ibrox stadium.

There was also speculation the Odeon would become the first city casino to offer a £1m jackpot.

But looming government legislation which will permit only one mega-style venue in the UK, possibly in Blackpool or London, has convinced developers to drop their proposals for the Odeon.

Instead, they have lodged revised plans with Glasgow City Council for shops, restaurants, bars and a nightclub.

A mezzanine balcony, overlooking the ground floor will be a key attraction, offering more than 100,000sqft of space - 20,000sqft more than at present.

The building is the only one in Scotland designed by Odeon in-house architects Frank Verity and Samuel Beverley.

When revamped it will retain its famous art-deco frontage.

Councillors are due to discuss the new proposals within the next two months and, if planning approval is granted, work could begin by the end of the year.

Today a spokesman for Duddingston House Properties, confirmed new plans have been lodged.

He said: "The proposals envisage a mixed use retail and entertainment venue being created within the listed building facade as part of a £15m investment. Work is due to commence later this year with completion scheduled for spring 2007 if the plans are approved. We have worked hard, with assistance from Glasgow's planning department to evolve a solution for the building's re-use and are delighted to see our finalised plans for the building being submitted. Our proposals will bring a unique leisure and retail complex to Scotland. Assuming our plans are acceptable, we are in close liaison with Odeon Cinemas to achieve a smooth transition when works commence."

When asked why the casino plans had been ditched, he replied: "There is still some uncertainty about what is going to happen with the legislation. People are being cautious."

He added that negotiations to bring a number of new leisure operators to the redevelopment are at an advanced stage.

In April 2003, the Odeon was given a last-minute reprieve when developers decided to keep it open until its transformation began.

The famous picture house is Glasgow's oldest surviving cinema.

A date has not yet been set for when the venue will close.