AFTER more than 20 years, Southampton’s Odeon cinema is preparing to close its doors for the final time next weekend.

Bosses have confirmed to the Echo that the cinema will screen its last film on Sunday, February 27.

This will mean that Leisure World is also expected to finally close the main doors, as Odeon is the last firm still standing in the prominent complex.

A statement from the major cinema chain said that it is unable to extend its current lease beyond March, due to in-the-pipeline plans to redevelop the Leisure World site.

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It is not known what will happen to the jobs of the Odeon staff.

As reported, the multi-million pound plans will see existing buildings at the site off West Quay Road demolished to make way for 650 homes, two 150-room hotels, 80 serviced hotel apartments, new restaurants, offices, a cinema and a casino.

The £250m scheme, from developer Sovereign Centros, is expected to create 1,000 new jobs and work could start as early as next year.

Odeon has also told the Echo that “negotiations are underway with the developers and landlord to secure a cinema premises again once the redevelopment is completed”.

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However, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Growth, Jeremy Moulton, confirmed that once the development is completed, Odeon will have a new cinema at the new site. 

The developers say that they are planning to begin Phase One of the works in “early 2023”. No concrete dates have been confirmed.

Back in 1997, the site was billed as the biggest pleasure complex of its kind in western Europe.

Leisure World opened to much fanfare and boasted a Jumpin Jaks live music bar, a bowling alley, and two nightclubs, as well as Odeon.

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Other attractions have also opened at the site over the years, including Oceana, Frankie and Benny’s, and also the Bambuu Bar – which was once considered to be one of the hottest nightspots in Southampton.