Reel Appeal aims to set up an independent cinema for the enjoyment and promotion of film and related arts in Wivenhoe as a community asset.
The original aim to fundraise for the purchase of the St John Ambulance Hall in Chapel Road has now (May 2010) been shelved after taking advice from professional fundraisers, planners, architects and independent cinemas.
However we still intend in the long run to find a suitable premises to buy or rent, and in the shorter term to develop film programmes that can be presented at suitable local venues.
We were interested to discover that there had been a cinema in Wivenhoe in the late 1920′s in Forester’s Hall (now flats) just north of the Coop. Do you remember it or remember older family members talking about going to the pictures here in Wivenhoe? If you have a story to tell or even a picture we would very much like to share it.
View our latest newsletter for more…
Note on the decision not to purchase the St John Ambulance Hall
The principle reason for withdrawal is the additional work and associated costs of sound proofing the building. The building is in generally poor condition and the addition of high density concrete cladding to the walls, and soundproofing the roof would have required new foundations and new structural support. We were advised that it would be more cost effective to construct an entirely new building on the site.
The Working Group were concerned that the irregular shaped plot, and boundary and right of way issues would make it difficult to take advantage of any improved use of space that a new build would be expected to offer. Although supported in principle by the Colchester Planning Department, the Working Group believe that planning permission would be harder to obtain permission for a new cinema on this site.
Members of the Working Group had received advice from three separate professional fundraisers. The advice received from each one had been very useful, but all advised against purchase of the Hall. It would be very difficult if not impossible to raise the funds required to purchase and renovate the property in the short to medium term.
Given the increase in costs, the problems of a new build and the perceived problems with raising adequate funds, the Working Group were certain that they would be presiding over a building project for the foreseeable future rather than running a cinema.
Bob Waters
Chair, Wivenhoe Film Theatre
May 2010
Wivenhoe Film Theatre
16 Queens Road, Wivenhoe
Colchester CO7 9JH
wivenhoereelappeal @ live.co.uk
http://www.reelappeal.org.uk
Wivenhoe Film Theatre is a charitable company limited by guarantee. Registered in England (07097107) Registered address: 1 Brook House, Brook Street, Wivenhoe, Colchester, Essex CO7 9DP