New seven-screen Odeon Oldham to create 40 jobs

Cinema operator Odeon is set to create 40 jobs in Oldham with a new seven-screen venue.

Opening later this year, the 789-seat multiplex will sit at the heart of a £28m project to transform the Grade II-listed Old Town Hall into a retail and leisure destination.

The new cinema will retain a number of the building’s historic features, helping to preserve the landmark for future generations.

Odeon, which has not had a cinema in Oldham since 1982, will use the site as a venue for its ISENSE screen offer, which features luxury seating and cutting-edge Dolby ATMOS sound. The ISENSE screen at Odeon Oldham will be one of three in the UK.

Odeon’s managing director for the UK and Ireland, Duncan Reynolds, said of the opening: “We are delighted about the opening of ODEON Oldham and look forward to sharing our passion for cinema with the local community.

“It’s great to see the cinema taking such a central position in the heart of Oldham’s Old Town centre, providing residents with the very best cinema experience for great prices.”

The general manager of Odeon Oldham, Paul Dagg, said the firm is working alongside Oldham Council to hire “passionate and enthusiastic local people”.

Early next month, Odeon Oldham will host recruitment events in collaboration with the Get Oldham Working team established by the council to provide sustainable employment opportunities for the town.

Oldham Council Leader Jean Stretton commented: “The new Odeon cinema will be a fantastic anchor tenant at the Old Town Hall.

“This development is central to our regeneration of Oldham town centre and we are excited to welcome Odeon to here to bolster our strong list of quality, well-known and trusted brands.

She continued: “Odeon are fully on-board with our Get Oldham Working campaign which helps create new jobs and opportunities for local residents.

“Odeon at the Old Town Hall will play a vital role in the future of our town centre economy and helps us transform its appeal as a destination for residents, business and visitors alike.”

Elsewhere, Odeon has revealed plans to open another site this year in Northwich, Cheshire, bringing its North West portfolio to 15 cinemas.