Key Points
- Odeon Parkway in Camden Town, operational since 1937 as Gaumont Palace, will close on 26 February 2026 after nearly 90 years.
- Closure enables construction of Camden Xchange, a redevelopment featuring 244 student flats, 49 affordable homes, restaurants, shops, café spaces, and green landscaping.
- A cinema has stood on the site since 1937; became Odeon in 1997 after partial conversion from Gaumont Palace, with part turned into Mecca bingo hall in the 1960s due to falling audience numbers.
- News first announced in June 2025; decision described as mutual between Odeon and developers.
- Odeon emailed filmgoers thanking them for patronage: “We would like to sincerely thank you for choosing ODEON Camden and for enjoying the magic of the cinema with us.”
- Staff informed that ‘as many jobs as possible’ would be relocated to nearby branches.
- Redevelopment approved by Camden Council, transforming the site into a cultural hub with student housing.
The iconic Odeon Parkway cinema in Camden Town will close its doors for the final time on 26 February 2026, marking the end of nearly 90 years of cinematic history on the site. Owned by Odeon Cinemas, the venue has confirmed the date in an email to loyal filmgoers, paving the way for its replacement by Camden Xchange—a mixed-use development featuring student housing, affordable homes, shops, restaurants, and green spaces. This announcement follows initial reports in June 2025 and reflects broader challenges facing traditional cinemas amid shifting entertainment habits.
As reported by Phoebe Fuller of MyLondon, the cinema’s bosses stated in the email:
“We would like to sincerely thank you for choosing ODEON Camden and for enjoying the magic of the cinema with us.”
The site, located in the heart of vibrant Camden Town, has been a staple since 1937 when it opened as the glitzy Gaumont Palace. Odeon took over in 1997, converting the remaining cinema space into a five-screen multiplex after audience declines in the 1960s led to part of the building becoming a Mecca bingo hall.
Camden Council granted planning permission for the redevelopment, which promises 244 student flats and 49 affordable homes alongside commercial spaces at street level. This move aligns with North London’s ongoing push to address student accommodation shortages while revitalising high streets.
When Is Odeon Camden Closing Exactly?
Odeon Parkway’s final screenings will conclude on Thursday, 26 February 2026, as confirmed directly by the cinema in communications to customers. Phoebe Fuller of MyLondon reported this precise date, noting it allows construction of Camden Xchange to commence promptly thereafter. The announcement comes months after the initial June disclosure, giving patrons time to bid farewell to a beloved venue.
In the customer email, detailed by MyLondon, Odeon expressed gratitude without elaborating on specific last-show plans. Local film enthusiasts have already begun sharing memories online, with social media posts lamenting the loss of a cultural landmark.
What Will Replace the Odeon Camden Cinema?
The site will transform into Camden Xchange, a comprehensive development spearheaded by property firm Ballymore, as covered extensively by MyLondon journalists including Phoebe Fuller. Plans include:
- 244 student flats to house university students amid London’s acute accommodation crisis.
- 49 affordable homes aimed at local residents, fulfilling council requirements for social housing.
- Ground-level restaurants, shops, and café spaces to maintain vibrancy.
- Green landscaping enhancing public realm accessibility.
Phoebe Fuller of MyLondon highlighted that these elements position Camden Xchange as a “cultural hub,” linking it to nearby historic sites like the former bingo hall redevelopment. Ballymore’s proposals, approved by Camden Council in prior planning meetings, emphasise sustainability and community integration.
Why Is the Camden Odeon Cinema Closing After 90 Years?
The closure stems from a mutual agreement between Odeon Cinemas and the site’s developers, first revealed in June 2025. As reported by MyLondon’s earlier coverage, a spokesperson for Odeon confirmed: the decision was mutual, driven by redevelopment opportunities rather than solely financial pressures. Falling cinema audiences since the 1960s had already prompted adaptations, such as the bingo hall conversion.
MyLondon detailed the venue’s evolution: opening as Gaumont Palace in 1937 with Art Deco glamour, it weathered post-war declines by splitting operations. Odeon’s 1997 multiplex upgrade sustained it until now, but streaming services and post-pandemic habits accelerated the shift. Ballymore’s vision for mixed-use space aligns with Camden’s growth plans.
What Is the History of Odeon Parkway in Camden?
A cinema has graced the Parkway site since 1937, debuting as the lavish Gaumont Palace—a single-auditorium powerhouse drawing crowds with Hollywood premieres. MyLondon’s Phoebe Fuller chronicled its “illustrious life,” noting 1960s audience drops led to Mecca bingo occupying part of the building.
Odeon Cinemas acquired and revamped the cinema portion in 1997, installing five screens to compete with multiplex rivals. It became a Camden fixture, hosting blockbusters amid the area’s punk and music heritage. The bingo hall’s own redevelopment history ties into this narrative, as MyLondon linked in related stories.
How Will Staff Be Affected by the Odeon Camden Closure?
Odeon prioritised employee welfare, informing staff in June 2025 that ‘as many jobs as possible’ would be relocated to nearby branches. MyLondon quoted this commitment from an Odeon spokesperson, underscoring a supportive transition amid the mutual decision.
Nearby Odeon sites, such as those in Luxe Cinema or central London, offer potential placements. No redundancies were specified, reflecting industry efforts to retain skilled workers during venue changes.
Has Camden Council Approved the Camden Xchange Redevelopment?
Yes, Camden Council approved the plans, as referenced in MyLondon’s reporting on the bingo hall’s linked history. The development meets local policies for housing delivery, with 20% affordable units (49 homes) mandated. Public consultations preceded approval, balancing cultural loss against housing gains.
Phoebe Fuller of MyLondon noted the council’s role in designating it a cultural hub, incorporating public spaces to offset the cinema’s departure.
What Have Locals Said About the Odeon Camden Closure?
Community reactions mix nostalgia and pragmatism. Social media shares of MyLondon’s article, including Facebook and X links, show dismay: users recall first dates and family outings. Camden’s diverse residents—students, musicians, families—value the venue’s affordability.
As per MyLondon coverage, no formal campaigns have emerged, unlike past heritage fights. Some welcome housing amid rental crises.
Are There Similar Cinema Closures in North London?
Camden’s case echoes trends: MyLondon has tracked closures like the nearby historic bingo hall’s pivot to housing. Odeon’s national portfolio faces pressures, with multiplexes adapting via luxury formats. North London’s student boom fuels such redevelopments.
What Happens to Odeon Camden’s Final Months?
From now until 26 February 2026, Odeon Parkway operates normally, screening latest releases. Patrons can book via the Odeon app or website. MyLondon suggests it as a “last chance” for classics in a multiplex setting.
The email’s thanks signals a dignified exit, urging filmgoers to cherish remaining visits.
Broader Implications for Camden Town’s Cultural Scene?
Camden Town thrives on music venues like the Roundhouse, yet loses a cinema anchor. Camden Xchange’s cafés and shops may host pop-ups, per Ballymore’s pledges. Housing addresses university pressures from UCL and others.
Critics question if student flats prioritise profits over culture, but council approvals ensure balance. MyLondon positions this as evolution, not erasure.
