Ray not giving up on saving historic Doncaster Odeon cinema
BULLDOZERS have started pulling down Doncaster's historic Odeon cinema site – but campaigner Ray Nortrop is still refusing to admit it cannot be saved.
The demolition team taking down the art deco building which staged concerts by music legends including the Beatles and Buddy Holly have now removed a large chunk of the wall bordering Thorne Road.
It is the first clear sign of the building's demise since planning permission was given to take it down in the summer.
Rather than the building being bulldozed, the former cinema will be dismantled in a 'reverse build' process lasting five months, Lazarus managing director Lloyd Nicholson said earlier this year.
The firm then hopes by Christmas to press ahead with plans to build a 10 million development including a casino, gym, shops and office.
Mr Nortrop, who set up the Friends of Doncaster Odeon to try to save the building, has watched the progress of the demolition and said he was continuing to fight to keep the building even at this late stage.
He is speaking to English Heritage about a last gasp review of their decision not to give the building listed status.
Mr Nortrop said: "The dressing rooms have come down and the stage area and orchestra pits have gone. But I cannot say it is the end until I have a decision on the review. I'm still not giving up on this, and I have seen buildings saved at a later stage than this.
"If we can save the frontage it may be that we can save what is left.
"But it is not looking very promising now that it has got to this stage.
"The area which has been destroyed is where the Beatles and the Rolling Stones performed, and where Lonnie Donegan recorded My Old Man's a Dustman nearly 50 years ago."
The building first opened in the 1930s as the Gaumont but it showed its last film last year when it was bought by developer Lazarus Properties.
It has since fallen into disrepair, been damaged by squatters, thieves and a series of arson attacks.
Planning permission for the development was granted in June, when the developers told Doncaster Council's planning committee that a frieze on the front of the building would be retained and used in the new development.
The frieze, depicting the film industry, was uncovered after contractors removed a metal facade to reveal the concrete artwork.
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