More than 8,000 people have signed a petition to save Beckenham’s historic ODEON cinema, as the town rallies behind its much-loved picture house in the face of closure.
The campaign has gathered thousands of backers in a powerful show of community feeling, with residents describing themselves as “heartbroken” at the prospect of losing the Art Deco venue. Supporters want the cinema to keep its screens lit well beyond its scheduled final weeks.
Key facts
- The campaign: A petition to save the cinema has passed 8,000 signatures
- The venue: Beckenham’s historic ODEON cinema, an Art Deco landmark
- Closing date: End of November 2026
- Building owner: Citygate Church
- Proposed future: A place of worship, subject to Bromley Council approval
The petition’s rapid growth underlines how deeply the ODEON is woven into local life. For many residents it is more than a night out — it is part of the town’s identity — and the news that the projectors could soon fall silent has been met with dismay.
The closure was confirmed in late September, when ODEON announced the Beckenham cinema would shut for good at the end of November, as London Streets reported. The decision follows a move by the building’s owner, Citygate Church, to repurpose the site.
An ODEON spokesperson said: “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.”
The company said supporting its staff was its “number one priority”, and that it would try to secure roles for as many affected employees as possible at its other cinemas.
Church plans 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 has said its plans would return the cinema to a single auditorium and uncover original decoration inside the building, revealing more of its historic features — proposals it says respect the character of the venue while giving it a new purpose.
The petition suggests many locals are not ready to let the building’s big-screen era end. Keeping films showing in Beckenham has become the campaigners’ rallying cry, and the signature count keeps climbing.
It is not the first time Londoners have organised to defend a much-used local service — passengers recently campaigned over the District line’s failing Wimbledon branch — and the Beckenham campaign has struck a chord well beyond the town.
The loss of the ODEON would be felt all the more keenly as other parts of the capital celebrate the big screen — the first TW2 Film Festival has opened in Twickenham, putting independent filmmakers in the spotlight.
Timeline: the fight for the Beckenham ODEON
- 25 September 2026: ODEON confirms its Beckenham cinema will close for good at the end of November, following the building owner’s decision to repurpose the site.
- Early October 2026: A petition to save the cinema passes 8,000 signatures, as “heartbroken” locals rally behind the venue.
- End of November 2026: The cinema is due to welcome its final audiences.
- To come: Bromley Council to consider Citygate Church’s application to change the building’s use to a place of worship.
What happens next
- The cinema will keep operating as normal until the end of November, giving filmgoers a last chance to catch a screening.
- Citygate Church’s change-of-use application will go before Bromley Council, which will decide the building’s future.
- ODEON says it will try to find roles for affected staff at its other cinemas.
- The petition continues to gather signatures — campaigners will be watching the council’s decision closely.
Whether the 8,000-strong campaign can alter the course of the closure remains to be seen. But one thing is already clear: Beckenham is not letting its cinema go without a fight.
