Developer Camden Vision plan to lodge an application for student and ‘affordable’ housing, shops and an “experiential cultural space” with Camden Council in “early autumn”.
The scheme, dubbed Camden Town Xchange, would see the bingo hall – which closed last November – and most of the adjoining cinema – due to be shuttered at the end of the year – bulldozed.
An artist’s render of how the site in Arlington Road, Parkway and Inverness Street could look. (Image: Shaw Corporation) Plans for the large site in Arlington Road, Parkway and Inverness Street were shared with residents, community groups and stakeholders at events in June and July.
They feature two eight-storey blocks of 250 student apartments, 50 ‘affordable’ flats, shops, a cafe, and a 1,300 sqm cultural space with adjoining restaurant similar to an immersive theatre venue or The Lightroom in King’s Cross.
Developers say it will breathe new life into an underused site with the “high quality venue” set to honour Camden’s creative spirit.
Camden Odeon dates back to 1937 and started out as the luxurious 2,700-seat Gaumont Palace Regent’s Park with the opening films Paul Robeson in Show Boat and James Dunn in The Two Fisted Gentleman.
In the 1960s its stalls, which had a separate entrance, were turned into a bingo hall while the circle remained a cinema with a chequered history of opening, closing and changing hands.
The new build will “adapt and restore” the historic 1930s Odeon façade on Parkway which developers say has become tired and “in need of restoration”.
It will also include communal areas with green spaces in Arlington Road, an internal courtyard for flat residents and a rooftop terrace for students.
According to the Camden Town Xchange website, the public consultation showed strong support for the provision of ‘affordable’ housing, a new entertainment venue and green space, but raised concerns about the impact on local services and transport, the disruption of construction traffic, and the scale of the scheme.
A spokesperson for Camden Town Xchange said it would be “blending culture, community and convenience to breathe new life into the underused site at 180 Arlington Road”.
“Designed by AHMM to respond to local priorities, the proposals include around 50 much-needed affordable homes, 250 new student homes, and a high-quality cultural venue which will be shaped to reflect Camden Town’s character.
“The retained and restored historic Parkway façade will celebrate the site’s heritage, while Arlington Road and Inverness Street will introduce active frontages, retail and greening, making the area more vibrant, welcoming, and safer for all.
“The scheme will revitalise the former Mecca Bingo unit, which has stood vacant since 2024, and also respond to the confirmed departure of ODEON Camden Parkway in spring 2026.
“While the cinema’s imminent closure marks the end of an era, it opens the way for a new cultural use that will honour Camden’s creative spirit and see this landmark site enter its next exciting chapter as part of Camden Town Xchange.”
They added that the plans have been shaped “by an extensive engagement process”.
“Feedback showed strong support for affordable homes, excitement around the new cultural offer, and the site’s transformation into a more active and attractive destination.
“Discussions with Camden Council have focused on championing mixed, sustainable urban renewal in line with their long-term vision for Camden Town.”
