FI16811

Request

  1. I understand the Council intends to reopen the cinema.  In the last 12 months what steps have been taken to allow the cinema to reopen? 
  2. Is the cinema available on a lease and if so what terms would be applied to a lease? 
  3. Has the Council provided funds to facilitate its reopening? 
  4. Has the Council invited tenders to operate the cinema and if so please supply copies of the advertised notices? 
  5. Is the cinema equipment all working so the cinema could be operated without updating?
  6. Have there been any unforeseen problems discovered in the last 12 months that could delay its reopening either physical or legal?

Response

  1. The cinema closed because it was uneconomic to run as a mainstream cinema and the operator was unable to continue to run it on this basis.  It is therefore unlikely that another operator could run it on the same basis.  It was therefore hoped that the cinema could be reopened as a mixed-use space.  This approach would entail amendments to the building to change the arrangements regarding the fire escape and museum security.
  2. No.
  3. There is a budget that is available for part of the work referred to in response to question 1.
  4. No.
  5. The sound equipment is in need of updating/repair, but, whilst beyond the end of its designed life, the projector is in working order.  The hub that is required for the showing of mainstream films has been returned to the distributor.
  6. The Council is currently recommissioning the existing ventilation systems.