The countdown is on to the reopening of Aberdeen’s Belmont Cinema, as the film fans bringing it back to life laid out their vision to have it back in action by this time next year.
Scores of movie enthusiasts filed into the city’s Cowdray Hall to hear an update on plans to revive the shuttered institution.
It comes after the local authority last month decided to place the future of the venue in the hands of the recently formed Belmont Community Cinema Ltd.
The organisation is made up of former Belmont boss Dallas King, film buff Jacob Campbell and other local experts with a love of cinema.
They plan to run the venue as an independent, not-for-profit enterprise.
What’s the latest in the campaign?
Speaking at the meeting, Jacob firstly thanked the room for such a “great turnout” considering the persistent rain over the weekend.
The dozens in Cowdray Hall were most interested in learning one thing – when will the cinema open?
And they were given some hope that it might not be too long until they can once again tuck into a bag of popcorn in the comforting surroundings of the Belmont Cinema.
Campaigners shared their hopes that the screens could be flickering back into life next autumn.
Jacob said: “We are blown away by everyone’s support. We have really kept the community at the forefront and have kept everyone’s best interest at heart.”
Belmont Community Cinema Ltd have been given an “exclusivity period” agreement to undertake fundraising and finalise their redevelopment plans.
Depending on how this goes, the group will be granted a long-term lease to operate the venue.
Sharing results from recent surveys they have carried out, the group revealed there is a high demand for independent films to be shown rather than blockbusters.
The group also revealed it will work closely with Station House Media Unit (SHMU) to focus on community outreach and education, as well as supporting disadvantaged communities across Aberdeen.
Their survey collected over 1,000 responses in just two weeks.
‘Develop next generation of filmmakers’
They plan to turn the top floor of the cinema into an education space.
Working alongside Tillydrone’s Shmu, the charity will provide “an exciting education and filmmaking programme to help nurture and develop the next generation of filmmakers”.
The group added: “With the venue being closed, it’s a better opportunity to bring it back as a sustainable enterprise.
“It needs to be attractive and busy, and that’s what we are trying to do.”
Although there is still “a lot to do”, campaigners feel “inspired by the reaction” they have received so far.
How they plan to finance the project
The preliminary price tag on the project is £2 million and the group plan to raise this amount through grants, sponsorship, philanthropists and donations.
Their plan is to launch the marketing and fundraising campaign in the next couple of months.
This will hopefully lead to the refurbishment, which they hope will start next spring in time for the venue opening in autumn 2024.
Jacob added: “The next part is making this happen and getting the lights back on.”
What did the audience say?
Those in the audience weren’t shy on stating what they would like to see in the cinema, and many hope to see the return of special events – including Halloween nights.
There was also chat about snacks offered in the cinema as many revealed they wouldn’t miss a bag of popcorn, if it wasn’t available.
They also joked about how they would like to see cupholders made big enough to fit a bottle of wine.
Another idea was to bring back a printed publication for the cinema, as well as host film festivals.
To stay updated on the progression of Belmont Cinema, visit their website here.
Aberdeen movie fans launching £2m plans to bring Belmont Cinema back to life
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