For sale signs have gone up at an historic North East cinema which closed its doors for the final time this summer.

Darlington’s Odeon cinema on Northgate closed for the final time at the end of June after more than 80 years of entertaining film fans.

Earlier this year The Northern Echo revealed that Odeon planned to close the cinema after 84 years, putting a dozen jobs at risk.

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The venue then closed just two weeks later on June 30 to the disappointment of the town’s cinema-goers, putting the future of the iconic building in doubt.

But now for sale signs have popped up on the now boarded-up building on Darlington’s Northgate giving fresh hope that the building could be returned to its former glory.

The Northern Echo: The cinema has now been put on the market. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTThe cinema has now been put on the market. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The cinema was opened in December 1938 as The Regal cinema at a cost of £50,000 and ran as the ABC, the Canon and MGM before being taken over by ODEON.

It replaced the Theatre Royal, which had been first built in 1868 only to be demolished in 1873, rebuilt in 1881 only to burn down in 1883, to be restored once more and last until October 10, 1936.

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The three-screen cinema was refurbished back in 2019 with ‘luxury’ recliners but was forced to close during COVID-19 lockdowns.

In July workmen moved in to board up the doorways of the Northgate venue after its closure.

The Northern Echo: For sale signs have gone up on the building. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTFor sale signs have gone up on the building. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

It has also now been stripped of its Odeon signage.

A spokesperson for the cinema firm previously said: “We are disappointed to announce the closure of our Darlington cinema.

“This decision was not taken lightly and followed a thorough review of all possible options.

 “We are hugely proud and appreciative of the hard work from the ODEON Darlington team over the years and we will be consulting with each colleague to support them.”

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