Project Name:
“Landmark” Manchester (formerly the Odeon Cinema)

Type of Project: Historic Appraisal, Visual Impact Assessment, Representative for Certificate of Immunity Against Listing, PPG15 Justification Statement

Date: December 2006

Client: Manchester and Metropolitan PropertiesArchitect: Squire and Partners

Planner: Drivers Jonas

Special Interest: The Odeon illustrates an aspect of cinema history from the 20th century. It was pioneering in its time both in its design, influenced by American picture houses, and in its size. Built at the beginning of the 30’s, the Paramount was a statement of Manchester’s importance as a city of cinema-goers.

Scope of Professional Services:
Heritage Architecture Ltd were commissioned to undertake the following

  • HISTORIC APPRAISAL: Heritage Architecture Ltd carried out an inspection of the Odeon Cinema, describing the building, assessing its special interest, its condition, use and the contribution that the building makes to the character and appearance of the George Street, Deansgate and Peter Square Conservation Areas. A ground level appraisal of the contextual relationship of buildings and vistas to determine the salient points of design criteria was also carried out. 

  • VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT: A detailed Visual Impact Assessment of the proposed new "Landmark" building on the historic environment was undertaken by Heritage Architecture Ltd with considerations including the likely effect of the proposal on key views and the character of the George Street, Deansgate and Peter Square Conservation Areas and the setting of listed buildings in the immediate environs.  

  • REPRESENTATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF IMMUNITY AGAINST LISTING: Heritage Architecture Ltd made representation regarding a proposal to spot list the Odeon, having regard to an appraisal of the buildings’ special interest; its state of completeness and an appraisal of significance in accordance with the Communities and Local Government Circular 01/2007, Revisions to Principles of Selection for Listing Buildings.

  • PPG 15 JUSTIFICATION STATEMENT: A Justification Statement was formulated for the demolition of the unlisted Odeon Cinema encompassing the tests required to satisfy PPG 15. An appraisal of the proposed replacement building and an assessment of the likely visual impact on the George Street Conservation Area formed part of the justification statement.