There is “a lot of hope” that Aberdeen’s closed Belmont Filmhouse could be reopened, amid surging interest in the closed cinema.
Councillors met today to discuss the future of the city centre picturehouse, which was suddenly shut last month.
Its closure left dozens of employees and devotees distraught.
But one of the councillors campaigning to secure the venue a fresh start is now increasingly optimistic.
And Desmond Bouse stressed that the local authority, which owns the building, remains open to offers from prospective operators.
He said: “The council is incredibly keen to engage with anyone and everyone who wants to make the Belmont a success.”
Mr Bouse said it was important to “build on the momentum” of a recent packed public meeting at Krakatoa, where the idea of community ownership was raised.
‘Optimism’ as council ponders future of Belmont Filmhouse
Whatever happens, Mr Bouse is growing more hopeful about the future of the Aberdeen institution.
He added: “There’s never going to be certainty…
“But there is a lot of hope, with the amount of interest that the Belmont has generated.
“There’s optimism.
“A city the size of Aberdeen should be able to support an independent cinema.”
It comes after the owner of Aberdeen cafe Faffless, Craig Thom, expressed similar sentiments when declaring his interest in the building.
The local businessman is exploring the idea of resurrecting the cinema while using its lower ground floor bar as a new restaurant.
He previously told us: “There have been expressions of interest from another couple of people.
“So it is good that, no matter what happens, I think it will be reopened.”
What do you think could be done to make a new Belmont thrive? Let us know in our comments section below
Belmont Filmhouse action agreed in council chambers
Lib Dem Mr Bouse formed part of a rainbow group who called for the matter to come to the chambers on Wednesday.
It was unanimously agreed to “explore whether there are potential options for the sustainable operation of the Belmont Cinema”.
⬇️ The below motion was agreed today by the city council's growth and resources committee.
We look forward to working with council officers to find a sustainable solution to get the cinema back into public use. pic.twitter.com/Mgq2ebfALd
— Save The Belmont Cinema (@BelmontCinema) November 2, 2022
And top officers were instructed to report back to a subsequent committee with any developments.
Consensus was reached after an in-depth, behind closed doors, briefing about the finances of the venue
Any further interested parties should get in touch with their local councillor if they wish to take over the cinema.
Meanwhile, a crowd-funder has been launched to support the 107 workers left jobless.
The Centre for Moving Image also operated the Edinburgh Filmhouse and the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Donations can be made here.
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