Bright future for historic cinema after it is bought by community
IT has lain neglected for many years, but a historic cinema is finally facing a bright future after it passed into local community ownership
The Broadway cinema in Prestwick first opened in 1935 and locals now aim for the building to be restored to its former glory and original purpose.
From being used in its original form as a local cinema and café, to later being used as an amusement arcade and leisure centre, the Broadway gradually became a forgotten relic of the past.
But in recent years, a group of local cinematic and architectural enthusiasts have dared to dream big for the 1920s Art Deco building designed by wellrespected London-born architect
Alister Gladstone Macdonald.
This week marked the culmination of that dream as the building was officially sold to the group and brought into community ownership after receiving a grant from the Scottish Land Fund in December.
Friends of Broadway chairman Guy Walker said: “To see people inside these walls for the first time in decades is incredible. It feels fantastic, it feels like the walls are echoing all the happy memories and experiences like it must have done 89 years ago.”
A former cinema projectionist, Mr Walker became involved with the Friends of Broadway after noticing the building from his garden.
He added: “I always knew it was a hidden gem so wanted to get involved and the rest is history.
“The whole thing at the end of the day is all about the magic of cinema. It can take people to different places, inspire them, create hope, and generally make people feel happier.”
The Friends of Broadway now hope to provide something for Prestwick and create a major new attraction in the town.
Development officer Kyle Mcfarlane has become the cinema’s first employee in 48 years and he has already appointed Stage One architects to take the development forward.
He said: “It will return very much to the original 1930s Art Deco design. The original evocative atmosphere will be restored.
“Alister Mcdonald built this beautiful cinema and we are very fortunate that it’s still here. The building is a survivor. So the idea is we’ll fully restore the façade; many original features will be fully restored as well. Even the original projectors will be back working again. So it will be a really unique venue and there are very few places like it.”
Mr Mcfarlane has also met with pupils of Prestwick Academy to discover how they envisage the building’s future.
Sixth year, Rosie Wallbanks said: “They know that by the time the cinema has been renovated, it will be our generation that is using it most, so it is really important for them to have our input, and it’s very exciting for us to be involved.
“To have such a big say in what could be a major attraction in Ayrshire is amazing. It has been really fun getting involved.
“So far, we’ve given opinions and suggestions on what movies to show, and the concessions as well. It’s helped give me a bit of an education on the history of the building and Prestwick, I didn’t even really know it was here before.
“Knowing what I know about it now,
it feels historic and exciting. I think it will encourage more of the younger generation to get involved.
“I think the way they’re renovating it will keep it vintage, but with a modern twist as well; I think it will be pretty attractive to everyone of all ages.”
It is not confirmed when the cinema could open to the public, and costs are uncertain, but the group see this as the beginning and a very positive start.
Mr Mcfarlane added: “It’s going to be a long winding journey now, but we’re considering a phased approach to opening and that hopefully means we could get parts of this open a little sooner. But of course, the full finished result would come later.
“It’s all down to interpretation at this point and we’ll be working with the community along the way to find out exactly what they’d like to see at certain points and hopefully we’ll be able to find a way to keep the momentum building.”
Today, the public is being invited to take a look inside the building between 11am and 4pm. The Friends of Broadway team will be available to chat and guide visitors through the plans of what once was and what soon could be a historic attraction in Prestwick.
‘It can take people to different places and generally make people feel happier’