Cinema group free to unlock Montrose dream.

Handover of keys to former swimming pool a key stage in project

The team behind a £2 million Montrose cinema project who paid £1 for the town’s former swimming pool have finally got the keys.

Chairman David Paton said it has taken years to get all the documents, business plans and feasibility studies completed, along with all the legal aspects.

Mr Paton said now they have ownership signed and sealed they can start to “seriously pursue larger funding opportunities and events to fund the renovation into a cinema and arts centre”.

He said: “This is a huge step forward for us.

“It has taken some time to get all the legalities worked out but we now own the building and can start looking towards our DIY SOS-style project of stripping out the building ready for works to commence once we have funding in place.”

The team asked all local tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts to show their support for the project by signing up to the strip-out.

Around 60 volunteers from local firms, tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts have signed up to help strip the building back to its shell.

The event will also be filmed by a local filmmaker and a promotional video created to show potential funders and investors the community involvement and excitement for the venture.

The group has also been carrying out monthly fundraising screenings at Montrose Academy to raise the project profile and gauge a basic demographic audience for market research.

Captain Underpants, American Made and The Limehouse Golem will be shown on October 1 with tickets available at indycinemagroup.com/tours/ montrose/ and on the door.

Ghostbusters and Jaws will also be shown on October 21 on a big screen at the rear of the former pool, with tickets already selling quickly.

Mr Paton said another major fundraising event will be held at Montrose Town Hall on March 10.

He said: “Two years ago we held our first major fundraising event called A Night at the M’Oscars.

“Next March will see the Return of the M’Oscars event at the Town Hall.

“Local band Peyton Place will entertain the crowds once again with their own take on some classic film themes alongside their own material.

“Mad Dog’s Comedy has two fantastic comedians lined up for us and the Hillside Hotel will be providing the bar, complete with cocktails and a tapas-style meal.

“Local favourite Ross Thomson will be master of ceremonies on the night keeping everyone on their toes with games, raffles and the main fundraising auction.”

Tickets are available to book by email at events@montroseplayhouse.co.uk at £35 per head.

Picture: Paul Smith. Chairman David Paton and volunteers now have to strip out the building.