Belmont Cinema to undergo final market testing before being put out to tender
The filmhouse closed its doors in October 2022
Last updated 29th Jan 2024
The Belmont Cinema will continue to undergo testing, but there's hopes that it could be put out to tender, opening up the opportunity for a potential re-opening of the filmhouse.
Aberdeen City Council's Finance and Resource Committee debated the much-loved building this afternoon.
Council officers will now issue a Prior Information Notice through Public Contracts Scotland with a Request for Information from prospective operators to outline their proposed solutions and competency to operate the building sustainably as well as raise the necessary capital their model may require.
A community-led option
The Save The Belmont Cinema campaign, who hope to take control of the cinema, say they are delighted that the City Council have agreed to put the cinema out to tender.
"It is our belief that a cinema run by the community, for the community, is the best option for ensuring that we have a sustainable, arthouse cinema here in Aberdeen.
"We're not oblivious to the scale of the challenge ahead of us, to modernise the building and to continue to grow and welcome audiences back to the cinema.
"But we will endeavour to produce a robust business plan that will put education, information, entertainment and the community at the heart of the future of the Belmont."
More to follow...