Part Two of The Razing of the Odeon re-starts
DEMOLITION OF THE LANDMARK BUILDING IS RESUMED
DEMOLITION has resumed on Newcastle’s landmark Odeon cinema more than three weeks after the remains of the building collapsed
The Health and Safety Executive had issued an indefinite prohibition banning work from being carried out on the site.
But yesterday workmen could be seen operating a crane to remove huge piles of rubble as clearing work got back under way.
Am HSE spokesman said: “We are satisfied the duty holders have made the improvements required by the notices we served. Work can now resume.”
The HSE launched an investigation into what caused the partially demolished building to collapse on Monday, April 3.
Scaffolding twisted into a mangled wreck as the building “crumbled” onto Pilgrim Street, missing bystanders by metres.
Eye-witness Esther Beadle, 28, said she heard a loud rumble before the building remains fell.
She said: “The noise when it collapsed was so loud that some taxi drivers came running around the corner to see what had happened.
“Luckily no rubble made it as far as the pavement on our side, but had it been just a little bit further, it would have done.”
A HSE spokesman said the investigation into how the building collapsed is ongoing.
The cinema, which dates back to 1931, has been under demolition since January.
It is being pulled down after its owners submitted plans to clear the site and transform the area into a retail hub.
The former picture house has stood empty since its last film screening in 2002, however many people hold fond memories of the building.
After the former cinema collapsed, David Hodgson, of Lemington, said: “It’s just an eyesore at the minute.
“It was lovely building, we used to have regular visits. I remember going to see ET there, it was a lovely treat to go there.
“I remember lots of family days out with my mam and dad and my brother.”
Stephen Brunskill, of Walker, added: “It’s all wrong, they’re just pulling the history out of Newcastle, it’s not right.”