Odeon West Hartlepool

The Odeon was not converted into a bingo hall. There were plans to open it for various schemes including a snooker hall, but none ever came to fruition. It remained boarded up and out of use until it was bought by a family from Billingham (Anne Marie-Bell I believe) in the early/mid 90’s, they planned to turn it into a cabaret venue/ nightclub with 2 cinemas in the upper sections,(To be called Park Avenue). Unfortunately, they ran out of money before it was completed and the building was again sold (by auction) to Hartlepool based Capanac Leisure. They turned part of the former stalls area into a bar called ‘Joe Pools’ with the remaining stalls, stage and the front section of the circle all being opened as Caesars Palace. The two cinema rooms built by the previous owners are understood to remain empty behind the balcony of Caesars Palace. The entire complex closed a few years ago and is now up for sale for £500,000. It is in a very sorry state with water damage on the front wall, near to the stage area. Most of the windows located on the upper foyer and floor above have never been replaced since it closed in 1981 and the building is rife with pigeons. The smell from inside is so strong it is very noticable from behind the roller shutters on the main entrance. Capanac workers have been removing various furnishing and sound/lighting fittings in recent months, so it appears they are stripping it out. There has been a study taken on behalf of the council to try and find alternative uses for the building (conversion to appartments being one suggested).