Film fans in south-east London are set to lose a much-loved local landmark after ODEON confirmed its Beckenham cinema will close for good at the end of November.
The company said the closure follows a decision by the building’s owner, Citygate Church, to repurpose the site, adding that the cinema will continue to welcome guests as usual until then. The announcement marks the end of the road for the venue, which the firm said had brought “years of film magic” to the local community.
The closure is a blow for film fans in the area, even as other parts of the capital celebrate the big screen — the first TW2 Film Festival has opened in Twickenham, putting the spotlight on independent filmmakers.
Art Deco building set to become a place of worship
Citygate Church, which owns the building, is planning to turn the Art Deco cinema into a place of worship. The church is preparing to apply to Bromley Council for permission to change the use of the building, with the proposals already discussed with the council at the pre-application stage.
The church said its plans would return the cinema to a single auditorium and uncover original decoration inside the building, revealing more of its historic features. The proposals aim to respect the character of the Art Deco venue while giving it a new purpose.
Staff support is ‘number one priority’
ODEON said supporting its employees was its top priority, adding it would try to secure roles for as many affected staff as possible at its other cinemas.
An ODEON spokesperson told the News Shopper: “ODEON Beckenham will be closing at the end of November 2026, following the landlord’s decision to repurpose the building. The cinema will continue to welcome guests as usual until then.”
“We would like to apologise to our guests for any inconvenience this will cause,” the spokesperson added. “We have been proud to serve our guests at ODEON Beckenham and to have brought years of film magic to the local community.”
End of an era for Beckenham
The closure will bring the curtain down on the venue’s time as a picture house, with the Art Deco building now earmarked for a new life as a place of worship, subject to permission from the council. Filmgoers have until the end of November to catch one last screening before the doors shut for good.
