Campaigners fighting to save Beckenham’s historic ODEON cinema have launched a fundraiser as they race against the clock before the building closes for good next month.
Friends of Beckenham Cinema has already raised more than £7,000 to help fund professional surveys, campaign materials and official records as it battles to keep films on Beckenham High Street.
Nearly a century of cinema
“For nearly a century, our historic Grade II listed Art Deco cinema has stood as the cultural heart of Beckenham High Street, a place loved by generations of local families and providing support to our vibrant local business economy,” the group said.
“Every pound raised will directly support our efforts to fund the necessary resources to contest upcoming planning applications, produce campaign materials, and explore viable opportunities to keep film alive on our High Street.”
Where the money goes
Campaigners estimate they will need around £3,000 for independent professional surveys to the standard expected by planning officers. Another £700 could go towards leaflets, posters and banners to drum up support, while £500 has been earmarked for accessing official records including Land Registry documents.
Members of Friends of Beckenham Cinema are volunteering their time without charge and have pledged to keep residents informed about how the money is spent.
Closing on November 29
The cinema is due to close for good on November 29 after the building’s owner, Citygate Church, decided to repurpose it. The church plans to turn the Art Deco building into a place of worship and is preparing to apply to Bromley Council for permission to change its use.
The proposals have already been discussed with the council at the pre-application stage. Citygate Church has previously said its plans would return the building to a single auditorium and uncover original decoration inside.
Community rallies
The campaign has rapidly gathered momentum. Around 150 people rallied in support earlier this month, while a petition calling for the building to remain a cinema had reached 12,253 signatures. More than 100 Bromley voters have also backed a bid to have the building listed as an Asset of Community Value.
Residents have spoken of their devastation. Zoe Brooks said: “It has been operating for almost 100 years. That heritage is part of a town’s history. It’s very much part of our local family life.”
She also fears losing the cinema could hurt surrounding businesses: “We don’t want our High Street to be a load of vape shops. With the cinema comes another economy — the businesses, the cafés, and everything that supports that.”
She stressed the campaign was not against the church or its faith but about keeping a community facility in the town.
ODEON has said supporting employees affected by the closure is its “number one priority” and that it will look to secure roles for as many staff as possible at its other cinemas.
The cinema remains open until November 29.
