Belmont Cinema receives £80k funding boost
The independent filmhouse closed last year after operators went into administration.
Aberdeen's Belmont Cinema is taking a step closer to its reopening after a huge cash boost from Aberdeen City Council.
The local authority has awarded operators with £40,000 from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund as they look to once again reopen the doors of the mothballed filmhouse.
A further £40,000 has been awarded from the grant funding previously allocated to the cinema’s previous operator.
The venue shut in October 2022 after the original operators went into administration.
A huge campaign begun to save the Granite City's only independent cinema and in September the Belmont Community Group were chosen by the council to bring it back to life.
A £2 million fundraiser was launched to help reopen the facility by late 2024.
Now, the Belmont Community Cinema Ltd said they are "delighted" with the news.
Jacob Campbell, one of the directors, says the funding will allow them to recruit a Head of Income Generation and Business Development and help with brand development for the new cinema.
He said: “We’re grateful that the City Council continue to get behind our ambitious vision to refurbish, reinvigorate and reopen our Belmont for future generations of Aberdonians to enjoy.
"The interests of our Belmont Community have always been our top priority, and we’re looking forward to continuing our work in partnership with the Council to breathe new life into Aberdeen’s favourite little cinema."
Aberdeen City Council culture spokesperson Councillor Martin Greig said: "I am pleased that the Council is able to support this important project with this award. There is considerable interest in re-establishing an independent cinema for the city and the group has worked hard to make the case. It will be good to see these exciting proposals develop and move forward."