The team behind the Prince Charles Cinema - the only remaining independent in London’s West End - is readying a bid to revive the Edinburgh Filmhouse as a community cinema.
The bid is led by Gregory Lynn, a Bathgate native and Dunbar resident, who has co-run the Prince Charles for more than 20 years.
His offer claims to be fully costed and funded, including plans to buy the Filmhouse building and carry out extensive renovations, following surveys that showed that it had fallen into substantial disrepair.
The team has had conversations with Edinburgh City Council, Creative Scotland, Screen Scotland and the Edinburgh Film Guild, with whom they have shared their vision for the Filmhouse to follow the Prince Charles’ successful business model of combining themed seasons of world and classic cinema, with new independent releases, unique screenings and a variety of festivals.
The team also confirmed their intention for the cinema to once again host the Edinburgh International Film Festival, after news last week of a rescue deal.
The Prince Charles Cinema bid for the Filmhouse will be submitted before the deadline of midday on 7 December.
Lynn said: “Having grown up and now living around Edinburgh the Filmhouse has always been a hugely important cultural and community landmark for cinema lovers.
“Our bid is a robust, viable route to bring it back to life as a thriving independent cinema.
“As an experienced and successful independent cinema operator we believe we are the best qualified bidders with the funding, plan and expertise to bring the Filmhouse back to its full glory, with top notch facilities, a fantastic and highly varied programme, full houses, and a secure future.”
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