Premier Hospitality

ODEON Luxe Leicester Square

ODEON
Written by Roma Publications

ODEON Leicester Square – London’s Glittering Home of the Premiere Returns

ODEON Luxe Leicester Square has reopened following a multi-million pound upgrade and introduction of the UK’s first Dolby Cinema. Reopening on 21st December 2018, the cinema first opened its doors in 1937 and went on to become Europe’s most famous cinema. ODEON Leicester Square has hosted over 700 film premieres over the past 80 years and will set the standard for generations to come.

The 11 month, multi-million pound Luxe refurbishment has transformed the site back into a global icon in the heart of London’s West End. The reborn and lovingly restored cinema blends the historic glamor and charm of the original venue with state of the art luxury and technology.

A bespoke new lift and escalators improves access and enhances the beautiful contemporary art deco design. The building’s famous heritage features have been lovingly restored including the Flying Ladies and original Compton Organ in the premiere screen, a breath-taking mirror wall for the digital age and auditorium doors that pay homage to decades of Royal and world premieres. The opulent new Oscar’s Bar (named after ODEON founder Oscar Deutsch) serves an extensive range of drinks, including champagne and cocktails and offers guests stunning views across Leicester Square from the bespoke new glass enclosed balcony.

Speaking to Premier Hospitality magazine, Jon Parry from GF Holding, the company responsible for the fit-out of the cinema said: “GF Holding are privileged to be appointed for the refurbishment of the Odeon’s flagship cinema having worked on several Odeon projects in the past. Having tendered for the fit-out portion of the project we were brought in to complete the demolition and enabling works package.

“The project has focused on the customer experience enlarging the Foyer and catering facilities especially the feature glass box protruding from the façade. The Auditorium has been treated to the latest comfort seating whilst the introduction of the Royal Box/VIP seating area provides the best seats in the house”

ODEON

Premiere Screen
Home to hundreds of premieres, the buildings largest screen has been fully upgraded to combine luxurious reclining ODEON Luxe seats with the captivating experience of Dolby cinema.

UK’s First Dolby CinemaT
ODEON and Dolby have partnered to offer film fans the UK’s first Dolby Cinema experience. Combining dramatic imaging that delivers a spectacular; leading-edge visual experience through the Dolby Vision dual laser projection system and moving audio, with Dolby Atmos, every person will get a truly immersive and unforgettable cinematic experience, no matter where they are in the 800 seat auditorium.

VIP Luxe Comfort
800 guests will enjoy luxury seating throughout, including over 350 powered Luxe recliners offering extensive legroom, sumptuous comfort and personal tray tables. All 800 seats have been designed to give guests the perfect comfort and viewing experience.

Screens 2-5
Screens 2-5 at ODEON Luxe Leicester Square have also received full refurbishment to offer an exclusive, intimate experience for 116 guests with luxury seating.

 

Mark Way, President of AMC Europe & Managing Director of ODEON Cinema Groups said: “For more than eight decades, ODEON Leicester Square has stood tall in the heart of London as the capital’s home of the premiere. Our stunning Luxe refurbishment takes this prestigious reputation to the next level, reinventing one of the most iconic cinemas in the world. With the combination of Luxe recliners and Dolby cinema, no other cinema will offer this level of luxury and technology. Quite simply, ODEON Luxe Leicester Square will be the best movie experience available – an unrivalled luxury cinema that will proudly set the standard for generations to come.”

Doug Darrow, Senior Vice President, Cinema Business Group, DOLBY Laboratories said: “ODEON Leicester Square is one of the most iconic cinemas in Europe and Dolby is honoured to be a part of the extraordinary renaissance. This installation represents the first opportunity for British film goers to experience the unparalleled magic that Dolby Cinema offers. Our technology is recognised as delivering the most faithful experience of filmmakers’ creative intent. This partnership with ODEON is a significant milestone for Dolby as we strive to extend spectacular experiences to moviegoers in the UK and around the world.”

Jon added: “For me, it has been a great opportunity to be a part of the refurbishment of such an Iconic building. The pace of the project has been intense being brought in earlier than anticipated but has certainly given me a spark in my working experiences.”

ODEON Luxe Leicester Square is the first Dolby Cinema to open in the UK following a deal announced in June 2018 by ODEON Cinemas Group and Dolby Laboratories to bring seven new Dolby Cinemas to ODEON in the UK.

 

Cantifix

Cantifix is a specialist in glass structures, creating, engineering and producing a range of glass solutions for the construction industry. The company has been in operation since 1986, pioneering the use of glass as a structural material since 1991, and keeps ahead of the competition through innovation and rigorous R&D.

Cantifix design, manufacture and install around 120 projects a year in the residential, commercial, retail and public sector and has worked on many iconic buildings throughout the UK. At present, the company is involved with Battersea Power Station, installing its own sliding rooflights, sky.by.cantifix at the site.

Most recently, Cantifix was involved in the work on ODEON Luxe Leicester Square, constructing a large, first floor glass enclosure on the front of the building. Cantifix incorporated the latest technology and engineering techniques to create this unique user experience.

Charlie Sharman, Cantifix, said:

“Having the trust of the design team, the contractor and especially the client, to work on this landmark building is testament to the hard work we have put in over the last 32 years. There is no substitute for collaboration, knowledge and expertise on projects like this.”

Charlie added:

“At Cantifix we are proud of all the work we do; however we are most proud of our commitment to complete all projects on time and within budget.”

For more information – https://www.cantifix.co.uk/

 

Metalcraft Engineering

Metalcraft Engineering specialise in all aspects of architectural metalwork – the more challenging the project, the higher the achievement. The company has been in operation for 25 years and within this time has been involved with a range of prestigious projects including multiple works for the Everyman Cinema chain, as well as Signor Sassi restaurant on Regents Street (part of the San Carlo Group) and various bespoke schemes, amongst others.

Most recently, Metalcraft Engineering was involved with the work ODEON Luxe Leicester Square, providing balustrades and decorative screens to this landmark project.

Ian Nutter, Metalcraft Engineering, said:

“We valued our involvement with this project and with GF Holding who we have worked with previously.”

Ian added:

“At Metalcraft Engineering, we pride ourselves on our years of experience. Our experience ensures we deliver projects to the highest quality at a reflected value to the client and contractor.”

 

Pier Contractors Limited

Pier Contractors Limited specialise in the management of asbestos removal and demolition and structural alterations of buildings from various diverse sectors – Odeon Cinema, Primark, Goldsmiths, Various Educational Premises, Travis Perkins, Royal Garden Hotel & Lancaster Hotel to name but a few.

The company’s turnkey approach ensures that clients trust Pier Contractors Limited and benefit from their expertise and ability to deliver solutions. At Odeon Leicester Square Pier Contractors Limited overcame various difficult situations throughout the project and delivered this on time and budget. The company’s service exceeds industry standard accreditations and quality processes.

Under the guidance of its directors, Paul Hadden, Darren Ricketts Alfonso Alfieri & Dan Mortimer including all onsite managers, supervisors and the office administration team, Pier Contractors Limited has substantial experience within the asbestos removal & construction industry. The business was established in 2010 and continues to grow year on year and has established a high profile client/consultant base and builds a strong, highly skilled management/supervisory team.

Pier Contractors Limited take great satisfaction from the high level of health & safety, customer service and business support that they provide on an ongoing basis and remain totally focused on offering outstanding professionalism, quality and customer service in everything they do.

ODEON

Woodhouse Contract Furnishers Ltd

Based in Sheffield, Woodhouse Contract Furnishers Ltd specialise in the design, manufacture and installation of banquette seating and contract furniture for the hospitality and leisure industry. The company has been in operation for 40 years and within this time has built up an enviable portfolio that boasts projects for The Restaurant Group, Genting Casinos, Green King, Enterprise Inns and Punch Taverns, amongst many others.

Most recently, Woodhouse Contract Furnishers Ltd has worked with GF Holding on ODEON Luxe Leicester Square. Working on this scheme, Woodhouse Contract Furnishers Ltd was responsible for the site’s banquette seating.

Managing Director Paul Knights Woodhouse Contract Furnishers Ltd, said:

“At Woodhouse Contract Furnishers Ltd, we pride ourselves on the quality of our work and the value of our service.”

 

Aspire UK Interiors

In their own words…

Aspire UK Interiors specialise in bespoke joinery and shop fitting projects varying through a range of different sectors from hospitality to domestic installations. From reception desks and bar counters to fire doors, from wall panelling to toilet cubicles. Aspire have all bases covered.

With over 25 years industry experience we specialise in fit outs of major high street stores such as TK Maxx, Marks and Spencers, Vue and Odeon cinemas and also have our own dedicated team manufacturing jewellery units for a range of clients.

Aspire pride themselves on state-of-the-art design and a manufacture process which ensures the very best quality to unimaginable lead times. Through investment in  state of the art machinery at our UK based factory we pride ourselves on making diverse ideas and projects a reality. From design and specification through to the manufacture, delivery and installation of goods, Aspire can strategically manage all contracts from conception to completion of the project.

To work on this prestigious project was a privilege and in our eyes, there is no better way to showcase the quality of our work than to do it on the flagship store at Odeon Leicester Square. Going forward we look forward to a long and positive relationship with this client which will ultimately mean we can showcase our capabilities much more.

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Roma Publications