The Filmhouse cinema within Edinburgh City Centre, Scotland, has contracted Clark Contracts to execute refurbishment works.
The refurbishment, which commenced this month, aims to upgrade the three existing screens with new seating and improved legroom and sightlines.
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Additionally, a fourth screen will be introduced as part of the renovation plans.
The project will also focus on improving accessibility to the Category B-listed building by creating ground-level access to screen two.
Furthermore, the refurbishment will upgrade acoustics and heating/ventilation (HVAC) systems, alongside the renovation of public toilets and the site’s Café-Bar.
Meanwhile, the foyer areas will be redesigned to maximise space and light, with energy efficiency being a priority, the contractor said in a release.
The initiative is supported by funding from the UK government, the City of Edinburgh Council, Screen Scotland/Creative Scotland, and the ‘Open the Doors!’ crowdfunding campaign.
The refurbished Filmhouse Cinema is anticipated to generate up to 40 new jobs.
Filmhouse chair Ginnie Atkinson said: “We are delighted to be working with Clark Contracts on this project. Our experience with the team is very positive and it is exciting to see the plans on paper become a reality with changes happening on a daily basis. We are looking forward to opening again in the summer [mid-2025].”
The Filmhouse’s history dates back to 1979, when it moved into the converted church building at 88 Lothian Road, evolving from the Edinburgh Film Guild to an arthouse cinema over the past four decades.
Following the merger with the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) in 2010, the cinema became part of the Centre for the Moving Image (CMI).
In 2022, CMI entered administration, resulting in the closure of Filmhouse, EIFF, and Belmont Cinema, with the building later sold to Caledonian Heritable.
The Open The Doors campaign was launched to save Filmhouse, and by July 2024, funding was secured with support from Creative Scotland and the City of Edinburgh.
Subsequently, a 25-year lease was signed, paving the way for its reopening as an independent venue.
Clark Contracts director Gerry Cummins added: “We are excited to be delivering this project to bring the Filmhouse cinema back to life, we look forward to working with Filmhouse and the design team to deliver the project which will provide a great facility for the public.”
