Fort William cinema could be open again within a year
LOCHABER Cinema Group’s ambitious plans to reopen the Fort William movie theatre have taken another step forward with the granting of charitable status.
The group has registered as a social enter prise, for the advancement of arts, drama and science, as well as for the provision of recreational facilities.
This will enable the group to make progress with plans to reopen the cinema in Cameron Square, Fort William, following its closure 10 years ago.
The chairwoman of the group, Marie Macpherson, told The
Oban Times that the building would be run as a two-screen cinema, one of which would be a multi-purpose events venue, which could be used as a community hall or for other local events.
Ms Macpherson added that the building now needed to be surveyed and this should take place in the next six weeks.
She added: ‘We need a new lift and our fire escapes need to be upgraded.
‘The work is going to cost around £ 500,000 to get the building up to public standard.’
The group said that the next steps would be negotiating the lease on the building and attracting funding, which could possibly come from the National Lottery.
The group also wants the cinema to create full- and part-time jobs.
Ms Macpherson added: ‘ We hope to have the cinema finished this time next year but, of course, if we can get it done sooner, we will.
‘We are doing everything we can to get it completed as soon as possible.’