As part of this cinema redevelopment for ODEON, the client design brief required that their state-of-the-art auditoria could also be used for a variety of different events, including a wider range of daytime uses such as Conferencing, AGM’s, Training, Product Launches and Road Shows. The cinema has links with local Colleges who use the auditoria to live-stream or deliver keynote lectures and masterclasses in the space.
The foyer area offers a flexible multifunction space, incorporating the latest retail and concessions including a hot food offer, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, pick n mix and Snog yoghurt. The Gallery, a bar / restaurant, is situated at first floor level and seats 80 people. This provision is linked to the daytime conferencing offer, providing break out and refreshment space. The Gallery also boasts a private VIP suite for 13no. guests which can be hired out either in the day for meetings or private events or cinema viewings.
Our design team created the idea to introduce a children’s screen concept, which is more suitable for young families and would provide a greater flexibility of space. The concept was to provide a cinema film experience whilst also providing children’s seating on bean bags or shared seating and cinema-themed soft play area within the auditoria.
This was an exemplar design for ODEON, who have since applied the concept to all new development projects.
ODEON Milton Keynes was the first Cinema in the UK to achieve BREEAM Excellent.
Photographer: Paul Williamson at Your Photographic Solutions