Storyhouse.

Film The Odeon in Chester was always a strange place to see a film, especially the main screen, which had a large projection surface, but the seats were all on a balcony spread across the back wall, the projector on the floor in the stalls, reversing the usual way in which such things are designed. When the Odeon shifted away from single screen venues in preference to multiplex edifices it closed and sat empty for years. Now its re-opening, refurbished as the Storyhouse, a kind of miniature version of Manchester's Home, with a theatre, art space, library and single screen cinema.

The Double Negative has a huge article about the place with construction photos and interviews with the creators:
"Situated close to North Gate retail and leisure development, the whole area is one in transition. The £37 million Storyhouse project – backed by Chester City Council and Arts Council England – is centred around a redevelopment of the 1936 Odeon cinema space, which visitors can now take a sneak peek of ahead of the grand opening. Incorporating core library services for the city, there is an adjoining new build housing a 800 seat theatre, 150 capacity studio stage and rooftop bar. This cultural hub approach – in a similar format to The Atkinson (Southport) or HOME (Manchester) – is intended to foster a greater inclusivity and sustainability for all aspects of the new building and its future activities."
This sounds like just the cultural boost Chester needs. Plus it's in a great area, almost opposite the cathedral and should be a real benefit to the surrounding businesses, the market, and especially the cheese shop.

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