RESIDENTS and visitors on the Isle of Arran will soon be able to enjoy movies on the big screen, as plans are put in place to turn the former ferry ticket office at Brodick terminal into a community cinema.
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), which owns the building, has agreed terms with Arran Picture-House Limited to convert the building into two 55-seater cinema screens, with laser digital projectors and a Dolby Sound System. The cinema will show the latest release films from major studios, as well as screening cultural events live by satellite from arts organisations around the world.
The cinema will benefit the whole community, with autism-friendly screenings twice a month, as well as dementia-friendly screenings, performances for the elderly community, schools, and parents and babies. The proposal is for the cinema to be open seven days a week from 12pm to 9pm, and will bring four full-time, and eight part-time jobs to the area.
Karen Jamieson, Buildings and Property Manager at CMAL said: “This will be an excellent addition to the Isle of Arran, and we think the community benefits are endless. We advertised the availability of the building on the open market via our letting agent, Graham & Sibbald, with particular emphasis on a sustainable community, and the bid from the Arran Picture-House team was outstanding.
“Not only will the cinema bring jobs to the area, but it will also cater for a wide variety of audiences; from school children to the elderly community and tourists. We are looking forward to work getting underway, and hope residents and visitors to Arran are as enthusiastic about the new addition as we are.”
Brian Keating of Arran Picture-House Limited said: “A community cinema screening new releases is a wonderful addition to any community. For both visitors and residents, it can change and enhance their experience of the island. We are delighted CMAL has selected our project for the centre.”
The Arran Picture-House team will now progress the relevant planning procedures in order to obtain the necessary consents, however it is hoped that the cinema will be open to the public by Easter 2019.
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