Facelifted Odeon cinema to show Transformers 2 on June 19 opening day (From York Press)

Facelifted Odeon cinema in Blossom Street to show Transformers 2 on June 19 opening day

9:40am Thursday 4th June 2009 in News By Mike Laycock, Chief reporter

Kailash Suri, of Reel Cinemas, in the main auditorium at the former Odeon in York. Picture: Mike Tipping

YORK’S former Odeon cinema looks set to reopen on Friday, June 19, with a premiere screening of one of the summer’s blockbuster movies, Transformers 2.

Up to 25 contractors are working around the clock to restore the art deco cinema to its former glory, with another 20 local people having now been taken on to run the picturehouse.

With the complex in Blossom Street a hive of activity, cinema boss Kailash Suri revealed today the refurbishment project is running to schedule, despite now going further than originally envisaged.

He said instead of just carrying out improvements to the original toilets – the “disgusting” state of which was heavily criticised during The Press Save The Odeon cinema campaign – the suites were being replaced completely, with new disabled toilets installed near the foyer as well. There would also be provision for customers in wheelchairs in the two ground-floor cinemas.

He said the ceiling above the foyer was being re-plastered and a new ticket and merchandise kiosk was being installed, while a “virtually new canopy” had been created outside to replace the old one which was in an almost dangerous and leaky condition.

New cinema screens were also being installed this week in all three cinemas, while seats in the big screen auditorium had been removed to be restored and replaced.

“It’s still going to plan and we will hopefully open on Friday, June 19, subject to everything being in place,” he said.

“We would hope to open with the premiere of Transformers 2 in the big screen, with maybe a children’s movie in one of the smaller screens. We may invite some local school children along.”

Mr Suri said a temporary Reel York sign would be going up on the canopy next week, with a planning application having gone in to City of York Council for a permanent sign at a later date.

He said the reopening of the cinema was creating a great deal of interest in York. “We are getting around ten to 15 emails every day from the public,” said Mr Suri.

“This is very encouraging and gives us hope.”