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Introduction

The Scala Cinema has a long and proud history dating back to 1910 when the first films were shown there.  Unfortunately, by December 2000 the poor condition of the building forced its closure.  Plans for a new cinema and arts centre on the site were revealed in 2003, followed by a period of intense activity to secure all the required funding.  With the funding in place, the work to create the new cinema and arts centre commenced in February 2007.  Once completed, the new venue will provide entertainment, leisure, creative industry, social facilities and a tourist information point.

Key Elements of the scheme

The original frontage of the building is being retained and restored, but behind that a new, state of the art cinema and arts centre is being constructed.  The completed building will include:

• A 150 seat cinema theatre with state of the art high definition digital projection system
• A 150-seat flexible use studio theatre which will also be equipped with a digital projection system but which can also be utilised for live performances (drama, dance, music, etc), conferences and exhibitions
• Community rooms which can be used for meetings, training and education, rehearsals, etc
• A café/bar which will be used for coffees and meals for shoppers and Scala users, pre and post-performance drinks, children’s parties, etc
• A reception area and foyer which may also be utilised as an exhibition space
• A tourist information point with information about local facilities and events

Benefits of the scheme

On completion the Scala will create:

• the first fully digital cinema in Wales
• a major cultural and entertainment destination for North Wales
• opportunities for training and learning, particularly in the growth sectors of media and entertainment
• excellent facilities for local community groups and businesses
• a venue for conferences and exhibitions with knock-on benefits to local businesses
• improvements to the visual appearance of Prestatyn through the redevelopment of a derelict building and the associated reinstatement of the building’s historic façade

Budget

The budget for the project is £3.5 million, with funding provided by:

• Welsh Assembly Government.
• Prestatyn Town Council
• Denbighshire County Council
• The Arts Council for Wales
• The Foundation for Sport and the Arts
• The UK Film Council

Timescales

Feb 2007 – start on site
Aug 2008 – completion of building works
Nov 2008 – building operational

Latest News

The following work within the Scala Cinema in Prestatyn is now complete:

• The seating now installed in both auditoriums
• Hand over from RL Davies (the contractor) to Denbighshire County Council took place on Monday the 22nd of September 2008
• The lighting rig in the second auditorium has been installed
• Acoustic panels in both auditoriums have been fitted
• The stage installation has been completed and the cinema installation will be ongoing through to the end of October with a view to testing and commissioning.
• The ticketing counter will be installed by the 31st of October
• Newman Online have successfully tendered for the ticketing system
• Colours within the building include orange, red, brown, grey, black, vivid green and yellow!

This page was last updated on: 01/10/08