Reel changes ahead for bar
SOUTHPORT is set to get a new community cinema in the town centre, thanks to a local film fan.
The 50-seat cinema will screen arthouse and independent films, that aren’t otherwise being shown in the area, and a selection of classic movies.
Tickets will be priced at just £5 for adults and less for seniors and students.
Michael Lockwood, who has previously opened a similar picturehouse in the 1970s, has bought the former Latin Lounge building on Post Office Avenue at auction after searching for somewhere to hire for around a year.
The former restaurant is now being repaired and converted to house the screening room, a cafe and bar area and meeting room.
The venture will be run as a non-profit Community Interest Company and Michael, who cites the like of Hitchcock and Kubrick among his favourite filmmakers, is now looking for volunteers to help run the cinema.
He plans to open the cinema from 10am to 10pm each days so is asking people to offer to help out with as little as one hour a week.
Michael said: “After much searching and decision making and not renting, I decided to purchase the former Latin Lounge, in Post Office Avenue last November as it was up for auction at a good price,.
The rooms are just fine for what we want to do, it’s air-conditioned and it’s just off Lord Street and hopefully opening in mid2017.
“Subject to Sefton planning and licences, the intention is to keep the cafe/bar area serving coffee, tea and cake plus wine and bottled beer to the general public.
“We hope to create a cinema lounge with easy chairs and sofas adjacent for matinee films that can also be hired for live performances and meetings.
“Adjacent is a kitchen that can be used for organisations bringing in their own food if they want to hire the space for their own film shows or other events.
“But to make this work we need volunteers. Some need only help out for an hour a week.
“The more volunteers the more chance of the building being used most of each week. There are vacancies for the cafe/bar and ticket sales and some volunteers will be able to put on their own film shows.
“No experience is necessary as training will be provided.
“If anyone wants to volunteer please send your name, email address and phone number to southportcinema@ gmail. com or at 07528889549.
“Volunteer meetings will take place soon and everyone can follow us on Facebook and Twitter to find out more.”