Latest news with #Levelling
STV News
4 days ago
- Business
- STV News
Edinburgh Filmhouse to reopen following £2m refurbishment
Edinburgh's independent cinema Filmhouse is reopening after a major refurbishment and a fundraising campaign to save the venue. The historic cinema, which closed in October 2022, has undergone a £2m transformation that includes expanded facilities, updated technical capabilities, and improved visitor comfort. The venue will reopen on June 27 with three refurbished screens and public areas, with a fourth smaller screen scheduled to open in July. Originally a three-screen venue, the revamped Filmhouse will now offer four screens in total, including a new intimate space with 24 seats designed for private screenings and hires. The total seating capacity will be around 350. Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: 'It is wonderful that the Filmhouse will be opening its doors once again. I am sure that many people across Edinburgh and beyond will be looking forward to this event. 'This much-loved cinema is both a community hub and cultural asset for the city. Its refurbishment will allow even more people enjoy the magic of global cinema in the heart of the city. I look forward to seeing the programme of events that will be on offer once the Filmhouse opens for business.' Filmhouse has long been a cultural hub for Edinburgh and Scotland's film community, showcasing independent, international, and arthouse cinema alongside local film festivals. The reopening programme will feature many films missed during its closure and promises a diverse range of screenings, including live theatre and opera broadcasts. The refurbishment was funded through a combination of public grants, community fundraising, and private donations. The 'Open the Doors!' crowdfunding campaign alone raised over £324,000, supported by thousands of film lovers locally and globally. Supporters of the cinema include notable Scottish actors and filmmakers such as Jack Lowden, Charlotte Wells, Dougray Scott, Brian Cox, and Emma Thompson, all of whom backed the campaign to save the venue. The UK Government's Levelling Up Community Ownership Fund contributed £1.5m, alongside funding from Screen Scotland, Creative Scotland, and the City of Edinburgh Council. A long-term lease was secured with the building's owners, Caledonian Heritable, ensuring Filmhouse's presence on Lothian Road for at least 25 years. The building itself, a repurposed church dating back to 1978, has been carefully restored, including roof and stonework repairs. Inside, new seating offers extra legroom and comfort, and the foyer has been redesigned. The Filmhouse Bar, a popular social spot, has been refurbished to seat 100 people and will continue to serve locally sourced food and drinks, with an emphasis on sustainability. The cinema also plans to expand its educational outreach with a dedicated learning and engagement officer and partnerships with film schools. New leadership has been appointed to guide Filmhouse into its next chapter, including executive director Andrew Simpson and a growing team. Mr Simpson said: 'The love for Filmhouse never went away, it was just waiting to be reignited. The incredible response to its closure showed us how vital this space is, not just for Edinburgh, but for audiences across Scotland and beyond. We are returning with fresh energy, a clear plan for the future, and a commitment to delivering world-class film experiences for everyone. Filmhouse belongs to its community, and we're excited to welcome people back.' Filmhouse is expected to play a key role in this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival, with details to be announced soon. Scottish secretary Ian Murray said: 'It's blockbuster news that the much cherished Filmhouse in Edinburgh is re-opening its doors after three years. 'Thanks to £1.54m UK Government funding and much hard work from the Filmhouse team and partners, cinema-goers are set for a thrilling experience in a fully refurbished venue that meets modern audience expectations. I can't wait to take in a movie there.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Western Telegraph
28-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Transformation of Haverfordwest Castle to involve locals
Pembrokeshire County Council is working with Haverfordwest Castle CIO to create a new visitor experience in the old County Gaol within the castle grounds. This initiative, funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, aims to showcase stories from Pembrokeshire's past, present, and future. People are encouraged to share their thoughts on what they'd like to see at the castle by filling in a questionnaire at or picking up a paper copy at County Hall, Haverfordwest. The survey takes around five minutes and residents are asked to share their own stories, memories, and thoughts about the county. The new visitor experience will not only focus on the castle but will also highlight stories from across the county, reflecting the unique character of Pembrokeshire and its people. The project aims to create an attraction that resonates with both locals and visitors, drawing on the stories, ideas, and memories of those with ties to the castle or other parts of Pembrokeshire. The transformation project has been in development for nearly a decade, in collaboration with a group of community stakeholders. Once completed, the new attraction will be managed by Haverfordwest Castle CIO, a charitable organisation that has emerged from this stakeholder group. The first stage of the project is already underway, focusing on restoring the castle and the old gaol, with funding from the Levelling Up Fund. Once these areas are ready, they will be fitted out with an exhibition. The project, which has been nearly a decade in the making, has been developed with input from an active group of community stakeholders. Haverfordwest Castle CIO will run the attraction once it opens.
Pembrokeshire Herald
02-05-2025
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Milford Haven Town Council Confirms Mayor and Deputy Mayor for 2025–2026
A BRAINSTORMING session has been held at HaverHub to discuss the next stages of the Haverfordwest Castle redevelopment – a key part of Pembrokeshire County Council's regeneration plans for the county town. Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor was among those in attendance, along with representatives from Haverfordwest Town Council, the Royal Institute of British Architects, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and community members including Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner and Gitti Coats. The Heart of Pembrokeshire team at the county council hosted the meeting to provide an update on the scheme, which aims to turn the historic castle, Gaol building and Governor's House into a flagship visitor attraction. The council says the upgraded site will tell the story of Pembrokeshire past, present and future – with interactive, tech-based exhibits housed in the refurbished Gaol building. The redeveloped Governor's House will become home to a new town museum, while the inner bailey will serve as a space for theatre, live music, fayres and other events. Access to the site will be improved from Castle Square, with new way-marking throughout the town. Plans also include a new 'signature bridge' over the Western Cleddau, linking the site to Riverside. The Herald understands that 88 per cent of Haverfordwest residents surveyed in a recent consultation supported the redevelopment of the castle as a visitor attraction and community space. Many locals believe the project will help make Haverfordwest a better place to live, work and visit. Funding for the scheme is being provided by the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund, with match funding from Pembrokeshire County Council. Further funding is being sought to complete the fit-out and support associated community activities. Haverfordwest Castle is currently closed while the work takes place. The museum has been temporarily relocated to a site on the Riverside, and the car park at the castle is shut for the duration of the development. The flagship attraction is expected to open to the public in Spring 2027.
BBC News
25-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Concerns roadworks will impact Eastbourne's summer trading season
Business owners are calling for a halt to works to pedestrianise a road outside their shops ahead of the people fear the works in Terminus Road, in Eastbourne, will impact trade as the town enters the busiest time of traders said the scheme, which began in February, should continue and be completed as quickly as Sussex County Council has been approached for comment. The works are being paid for by a £19.8m grant from the government's Levelling Up Fund and are expected to be complete by government extended the deadline for funding to be spent by local authorities to the end of March next year, which some traders said gave time to delay the works over summer."Most of the traders here do believe that the summer is their peak, especially the restaurants," Paul Klein, owner of Eastbourne Antique Centre, said."I think the roadworks would impact them. For me, there would probably be less impact."There's a further extension until March, so it would make sense to pause the works for the summer and continue again in September to finish it off." Ebony McNeill, owner of Drop of the Ocean gift shop, said her business needed the summer trade."The summer months are the most important for us," she said."Last summer was brilliant. Winter was completely dead down her, which is doable if we can have the summer months."The concern is that this year we won't get that and will have to do a winter. It's going to be so tough."Obi Orah, owner of Proudly African store, called for the works to be done "swiftly"."Delaying the roadworks means we will still be here doing it all over again in March next year," she finished pedestrianised area will have al fresco dining, new paving, street furniture, newly-planted trees and flowers, according to the council.
