There are good ideas

There is a lot of talk about how to grow the UK economy and regenerate areas. I can’t stop thinking about this place in Florence. I’m just a Tech Fella but I love the direction this went.

This is the Cinema Odeon. Originally opened in 1922. As with all cinemas it started to struggle, especially with the pandemic and streaming services. I can understand that. I can’t remember the last time I went to the cinema, and have no desire to go.

There was talk of closing it. I thought of all the ones that have closed in the UK and Ireland - knocked down or perhaps turned into a Wetherspoons. Instead they partnered with Giunti (a publishing house in Florence) and this is now the Giunti Odeon.

The ground floor is a bookstore, restaurant and coffee place. The balconies were kept and are quiet places to sit and read or study. There’s small working spaces. Movies play silently (with subtitles) during the day but screenings happen in the evening. It’s also an events and exhibition space.

Genius. I hope it’s a great success and if anyone follows me who is in this kind of regeneration area - it pays to think a little differently.

I’ll not go on about Mercato Centrale which is absolutely what I could see the Grainger Market and (hopefully) Monument Mall becoming in Newcastle. Well, with a little bravery and less reliance on the big chains. Stack are also pushing hard for this kind of thing. Don’t cripple the small folk with rates. Places like Leadenhall Market and Grainger Market all over the country please.