The boss of a nightclub next door to a derelict cinema engulfed by flames is hopeful there will be no lasting damage to her venue.
Louise Jones-Roberts, who runs Tokyo Tea Rooms in Canterbury, has not been allowed inside the club since shortly after the large fire broke out at the former Odeon on Saturday.
The fire at the former Odeon cinema in Canterbury, pictured here on Saturday. Picture: Dwain Eldridge
The former councillor says she has been denied entry amid fears the neighbouring building could collapse, with a structural engineer yet to assess the safety of the abandoned picturehouse.
Fifteen fire engines, two specialist height vehicles and large fans were deployed after the blaze broke out at about 2pm.
Smoke could be seen billowing across the city, while students and nearby businesses were evacuated as a precaution.
This morning, three fire engines and a height vehicle remain at the scene, with a cordon still in place along the city-bound carriageway of St George’s Place and Dover Street. Part of Holman’s Meadow car park has also been sealed off.
Mrs Jones-Roberts was allowed into her club on Saturday while fire crews were still tackling the blaze, but has been prevented from returning since.
Louise Jones-Roberts runs Tokyo Tea Rooms in St George’s Place, Canterbury. Picture: Louise Jones-Roberts
“I was imagining the worst, but it was fine in there, and there was no smoke damage,” she said.
“But we have not been in there since.
“Kent Fire and Rescue has worked hard to contain the blaze but they could not risk sending people [into the Odeon] as they did not know the structural integrity of the building.
“They have a professional going in to assess it and are awaiting that report.
“We are not allowed in our building, as if [the Odeon] collapses, it will take everything out around it.
The club owner has been forced to move a regular event due to be held tonight, but says she is determined to get back open as soon as it is deemed safe.
Smoke could be seen billowing from miles away as fire crews tackled the blaze. Picture: Lisa Claire
The former Odeon cinema neighbours Tokyo Tea Rooms in Canterbury
“We are going to have to do what we can, particularly at Tokyo, as we have a bit of a cult following in terms of the nights,” she said.
“Tonight is Face Down, which is a metal night, so they really love their music and the vibe.
“Indie Rock is on Thursdays too, and we are really hopeful we will be allowed in there by then. We are eternal optimists.”
Face Down has been moved to Club Chemistry tonight, another venue owned by Mrs Jones-Roberts, as a temporary measure.
In a statement this morning, a fire service spokesperson said there were “no signs of heat or smoke in the building”.
But they added: “However, crews continue to monitor the situation and work to make the scene safe.
A police cordon remains in place in Dover Street following a fire at the former Odeon cinema in Canterbury
Fire crews are investigating the cause of the blaze
“Parts of Dover Street remain closed, and Canterbury City Council is supporting the businesses and residents affected.
“The cause is not yet known. An investigation into the cause will take place.”
Traffic is being diverted via Oaten Hill, causing some delays, although disruption has been limited by the school holidays.
The cinema first opened in 1933 and has stood empty since March 2020, when it closed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
AloJapan.com