Let's secure future of Bognor cinema

Films returned to the Picturedrome last Thursday afternoon after a two-day closure caused by a rent dispute. But Hugh Coster of the civic society fervently hopes they will stay long after a temporary lease expires on November 18. Adam Cunard, managing director of cinema operator the Picturedrome Electric Theatre Co, signed a deal with the Bognor Pier Co, which owns the building in Canada Grove. Mr Coster said: "It's very good news the cinema has been re-opened. "There are rumours in the town that the town council is considering purchasing the cinema, which is also good news '“ because it would be a disaster if Arun District Council gave permission for flats and it was sold to a developer. "Hopefully in due course a benevolent owner will purchase the property and it will be able to continue and develop as an enduring amenity for Bognor Regis. "There was a vote at the public meeting as to whether the public would support the town council purchasing the cinema, and there was a unanimous vote in favour from 370 people. So let's hope the town council can follow it through. "When it was originally built it was intended as a meeting hall. "It was ironic the recent public meeting was the first time it had been used for that for decades. It was intended for use by the town. "We have lost enough of our attractive old buildings and we simply do not want to lose any more." The new lease terms mean Mr Cunard will still pay rent instalments based on a figure of 16,000 a year, but this will cover only the cinema area instead of the whole building. He said: "Business was okay over the weekend, but not as good as it should have been because I think people still think it's closed. The key thing is to let people know it's open." The Grade II listed building has been up for sale since May but Mr Cunard is glad it has been allowed to continue as a cinema rather than stand empty until its future is resolved. He said: "We have a lease now until November 18 and hopefully there is scope to extend that until the freehold is sold. "We will then hopefully get a new lease, so I would hope things will begin to resolve themselves. "It is a slight rent increase, but I had to think about our 14 staff. People have mortgages to pay and they are relieved. "Some have worked at the cinema for 20 to 25 years and one started here in 1968. "Moving forward, I want to change the seats and put in digital projectors and 3D, but I really need a ten to 15-year lease to do that. "Although our ticket prices are low, the cinema should easily be able to pay for itself and the improvements if we get a reasonable rent. "Ideally I think the cinema should be in a charitable trust or public ownership, with me renting it, as a trust or a council would have the power to raise funds that a private owner hasn't." Tomorrow the cinema will be showing Fame, the new version of the classic 1980 musical about New York's High School for the Performing Arts, which spawned a hugely-popular television series in 1982. For more details of films at the Picturedrome call 01243 823138 or see the advert on Page 29. What do you think? Send a letter to news@chiobserver.co.uk or leave a comment below. Click here to go back to Chichester news Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click here to add yourself to our readers' map.