Hip Hip Hooray
Silver screen returns to town
THE glory days of the silver screen are set to return to Bo'ness after an absence of nearly 40 years.
For Falkirk Council has confirmed that a refurbished Hippodrome Cinema will be equipped with state of the art
projection facilities.
The council's environment and heritage committee rubber-stamped an ambitious redevelopment plan for the Hope Street premises when it met on Tuesday.
Likely to get off the ground within the next two or three months, the plan will see the building used as a cinema in the evenings and as a heritage centre during the day.
Lesley O'Hare, cultural services manager for Falkirk Council, said: "The overall effect will be to recreate and experience the golden age of cinema-going within one of Scotland's first purpose-built cinemas using 21st century technology."
However, to maximise its resources, the council is planning to close Kinneil Museum with its budget transferring to the Hippodrome operation.
The Roman artefacts held there will go to Callendar House Museum in Falkirk whilst the remaining exhibits will be on display in the Hippodrome to strengthen its heritage-based focus.
Early indications are that the venue will have 130 seats and will show a mix of classic, popular and art house films, silent movie nights with live music and special themed programmes to link into local events.
Running costs are estimated to be between 50,000 and 70,000 a year.
The Hippodrome, an A listed building, was designed by Bo'ness architect Matt Steele for local businessman Louis Dickson. It opened for business in 1911 and may have been the first-ever purpose-built cinema in Scotland.
Falkirk Council is keen to showcase Matt Steele's architectural career and Louis Dickson's legacy to the film industry as part of the Hippodrome's attraction.
And local residents will be asked to contribute their memories of attending the Hippodrome and recalling its place within the social fabric of the town between 1911 and its closure as a cinema in the 1960s.
The council has already opened discussions with the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen about developing the concept.
Councillor Robert Spears, heritage
convener, said: "The Hippodrome is a rare example of pre-art deco architecture.
"It will offer an experience like no other by recreating the golden age of cinema-going using 21st century technology.
"A key project in the transformation of Bo'ness, the Hippodrome will represent a major economic boost for the town."
Councillor John Constable, Bo'ness regeneration working group convener, added: "This is an important step towards bringing the Hippodrome back into use.
"It's been an eyesore in the town centre for too many years and is critical to the success of the townscape heritage initative.''
Councillor Constable conceded that closure of Kinneil Museum was regrettable. He added: "It has a diminishing footfall but the many fine exhibits deserve greater exposure."
Just 3500 people visited Kinneil Museum in the last year
Bo'ness residents can learn more about the proposals at Bo'ness area forum next month.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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