VIDEO: Paignton cinema campaign gathers pace
A NEW video has been launched as part of the project to restore a Torbay landmark.
The Torbay Cinema at Paignton is currently at the centre of a £1.5million project that would see it restored to its former glory.
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Torbay Cinema
Now a new video has been produced to illustrate some of the cinema's unique features and outline the thinking behind the restoration project.
The scheme would raise the lights in the darkened and decaying Torbay Cinema in the centre of Paignton and act as a catalyst for further regeneration of the town, councillors have been told.
When the cinema closed in 1999, it held the title as the oldest purpose-built working cinema in Europe, and possibly the world. It was regularly used by Dame Agatha Christie.
It also houses the world's first double reel projector, created by the cinema's former manager and authority on early film industry John Mann. Next year is its centenary.
A partnership involving the Devon Historic Buildings Trust, National Trust, Torbay Council, Paignton Heritage Society, Dartmouth Steam Railway, and Torbay Civic Society has launched a public consultation on what should be done with the building.
Grants will be sought for example from the Heritage Lottery Fund and a public fundraising campaign launched.
Read Guy Henderson on why the Torbay Cinema project could be great news for Paignton
8 Comments
by Joannah
Monday, January 23 2012, 2:24AM
“Yeah, there's lot of places that cost too much in upkeep and could do with the bulldozer approach - Westminster Abbey, Dartmoor Prison, Oldway - in fact why not flatten everywhere over about 50 years old. Paignton could really do with some space for some more £shops and charity shops for the tourists to compare with those back home. Not to mention all that money wasted on tarting up Agatha's pad - that would have sited a nice caravan park.”
by FrankEinstein
Friday, January 20 2012, 10:23PM
“Why should we waste public money on something nobody values. If a few 'non publically funded' groups want to spend their own money on it than fair enough but to get Torbay Council involved, whats the point.”
by Rose361
Friday, January 20 2012, 9:09PM
“It is a shame that they don't build something new. I remember is was a horrible place and there was a reason it closed in the first place. Lets hope they knock it down.”
by pete_m
Friday, January 20 2012, 8:39PM
“I love the old cinema. Love it. Sad that some people can't see past the potential bile and venom on their bedsit laptop keypads.”
by Tonymore
Friday, January 20 2012, 6:35PM
“Continuing in the trend that is torbay. Falling apart and crumbling, just like the locals.”
by DevlinMallard
Friday, January 20 2012, 1:39PM
“I remember seeing films there as a child. The interior of dusty, red velvet reminded me of Bagpuss, that old television series from the 1970's. It was enchanting and deserves to be saved. So much so that it got a mention in a novel - BANDWIDTH: The Story of Devlin Mallard - A Torbay Ghost. See ch 17.
http://tinyurl.com/7k7wml7”
by omnivore23
Friday, January 20 2012, 1:02PM
“So many fond memories of going here as a kid.
It's a fabulous piece of history, and it would be great if it could be restored.”
by BuddytheElf
Friday, January 20 2012, 12:50PM
“How great would it be to see this place restored and showing films again? I can't wait to get stuck into the Butterkist and Ki-Ora all over again!”