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1937:• Cost £223k; took 7 months to build• Opened with Prisoner of Zenda• Magnificent Art Deco building:

• Sculptures of naked nymphs on front splay walls• Wood panelling created a sumptuous feel• Biggest & best organ in London

1967:• Modernisation destroyed many original features

1998:• Refurbishment renewed some lost features, inc. leopard print seats

History of OLS

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Objectives of the project:

“ To create the perfect blend between the Art Deco

heritage of Odeon Leicester Square and the high tech

experience of going to the cinema in 2019”

“ To deliver a fantastic new flagship cinema for both

Odeon Cinemas Group and AMC in the heart of

London”

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• Lead architect: Ellis Williams Associates• Interior design: 20:20• Key partner: Dolby• Glass box structural engineering: Buro Happold

Along the way we uncovered some fascinating stories!

• From Maurice Micklewhite to Michael Caine• Brainstorming 1937 style• The origin of the Leopard print seats

Design process

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• Asbestos removal• Repairs & upgrades to plaster ceiling• Sound insulation• Increase electrical loading• Security specification of ‘Glass Box’• Installation of state of the art tech:

– Twin laser projectors– 400 speakers

The Challenges of Construction

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• 1937 Compton Organ (The Duchess)• Safety curtain• Wood panelled auditorium• Leopard print theme• The ‘Flying ladies’• Mirrored wall between ground and first floor• Outside canopy• 70mm projector• Orchestra pit

Restoring the Heritage Features

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• Recliner & Luxe classic seats with up to 2.1m legroom• UK’s first Dolby Sound and Vision auditorium• Twin Laser Projection• Full accessibility to Royal Circle for first time• Significant increase in toilet capacity• Improved sight lines from every seat• New HVAC system• Fibre optic broadcast capability

Creating a Modern Experience for 2019

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• Main auditorium: 800 seats• Screens 2 - 5: 153 seats total• One integrated foyer with much improved

circulation• Foyer open when film is on screen• First class food and beverage offer• Art Deco Oscar’s Bar overlooking Leicester

Square, open to all• Truly modern & exciting cinema experience with

unique reimagination of heritage features

The new Odeon LUXE Leicester Square