DEVELOPERS Lazarus Properties have bought Doncaster's historic Odeon Cinema - and it will show its last film in a week.
Next Thursday will see the last day of big screen action at the last town centre cinema, which has been in operation since 1934.
Lazarus has said it does not yet know what it intends to do with the building, bought for an undisclosed sum.
What do you think should happen to the building? Add your comment below.The building, one of only two art deco structures in the town centre, has been on the market since November when the cinema chain decided it was no longer viable. A consultation has begun for its 25 employees.
But local entertainment lovers are lamenting the loss of a venue that has played host to starts such as The Beatles, Buddy Holly, Little Richard and The Rolling Stones.
The Odeon has also topped the charts: Lonnie Donegan's hit My Old Man's a Dustman was recorded there in February 1960.
Ray Nortrop, of the Friends of the Doncaster Odeon pressure group which has been campaigning for the building to be preserved as it is, said: "Doncaster Odeon seems to be safe for the time being, it is just for how long it will be.
"It is going to be a sad day for cinemagoers when the Odeon closes its doors for the last time.
"If there is ever the threat of the building being demolished then we will begin the campaign again. It is a very good result for us because at the moment they are saying they are not going to demolish it."
Lazarus has been involved in a number of high profile development schemes in the town centre, including the former Bradford Row - now Lazarus Walk - and Priory Walk. It is building a £12 million hotel on High Fisher Gate.
Director Lloyd Nicholson said: "We have no intentions to develop the property at the moment but we can confirm we have bought it."
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