Public help now needed for reopening Aberdeen’s Belmont Cinema

Film fans are being asked to raise £150,000 as part of £2m plans to reopen Aberdeen’s Belmont Cinema.

The independent filmhouse closed in 2022 – with the loss of 20 jobs – after the charity that oversaw its running went into administration.

Architects have been drawing up new designs for what a new-look venue could look like.

Belmont Community Cinema Ltd, which was set up up by the Belmont Cinema Campaign, said public support had been “fantastic” so far and it was now time to introduce the crowd funding element.

It was a venue seen as important for those with sensory impairments as well as film students.

The next stages in the bid to reopen the cinema are being unveiled this weekend, which also includes new branding.

Dallas King, a trustee of Belmont Community Cinema Ltd, said grants would be sought for the project.

“We are looking to raise over £2m,” he told BBC Scotland News.

“We have set that target in order to do it right.”

He accepted it was a “huge challenge”.

Mr King explained: “Over the last year-and-a-half people have always asked what can we do to help.

“So this is the point we felt was the right time to let the public know what we’ve been up to and allow them to play their part on the journey.

“The target for the public crowd funder is £150,000.”

He added: “The support of everyone has been fantastic. It’s a cinema for the community.

“In order for it to attract modern audiences it needs to be an experience that gets them off the couch and into the cinema again.”

The aim is for an energy efficient building.

Supporters believe that if funding is secured the actual work could be complete within six months.