Event/Activity EPM281 - Former Odeon Cinema, 92-96 London Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire

A building recording was carried out by Thames Valley Archaeological Services at the Former Odeon Cinema 92-96 London Road, North End, Portsmouth on the 4th April 2023. The work was undertaken as a condition of planning consent for the partial demolition and redevelopment of the building. The building recording comprised a photographic survey paying attention to the methods of construction, chronological development and alterations, and features of special interest. Photographic recording was undertaken using digital media. The survey concluded the original single screen cinema had been significantly modified in order to accommodate three additional screens. This had resulted in the loss of the original building layout and status. Art-deco decoration and features survived within windows, doors and decorative bands around the ceilings and within screen 1, but much of the original splendour had gone. The decoration generally appeared to be classical with a nautical theme, suggesting this had been designed for the local area rather than being a generic cinema design. The original entrance and retail area had been sub-divided and the building had significant water and fire damage.