Cinema reaches fundraising target

  

THE champagne was flowing in Harwich yesterday as the team campaigning to save an historic cinema smashed their target after receiving a massive cash donation.

Thanks to a £50,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the Electric Palace Cinema can now begin essential structural repair work to supporting metal beams.

The dedicated band of trustees who volunteer to keep the 96-year-old Grade II* listed venue in business have been trying to raise as much as possible to go towards the repairs and had raised about £17,000.

Now, thanks to the £50,000 grant - the highest grant available from the fund - the team can look forward to a bright future for the cinema and its dedicated supporters in the town.

Part of the money will be spent on educational initiatives that will encourage people to learn about, become involved in and enjoy the heritage the building represents.

The news was announced to the audience last night prior to an exclusive preview screening of Elizabeth: the Golden Age, starring the cinema's very own patron - Hollywood actor Clive Owen.

Speaking about the news from a movie set in Germany, Mr Owen said he was “thrilled and excited” that the HLF had recognised the significance of the Palace.

He said: “The theatre is not only an historical landmark it's also an important and vital asset to the local area and one of the most charming cinemas in the country.”

Chris Strachan, chairman of the Harwich Electric Palace Trust, said he was “delighted” with the decision.

He said: “It will enable the trust to deal with the accelerating deterioration of the metal beams.

“Now rescue works can be completed within six months and, along with the heritage awareness proposals, the future is much brighter.

Over the past 12 months, the community has rallied round one of is most well-loved institutions which Robyn Llewellyn, HLF regional manager, described as an “asset to the town”.

He said: “We are thrilled that HLF can help to restore this historic building enabling it to be removed from English Heritage's 'at risk' register.

“As well as conserving an important heritage asset in Harwich the project will give the public wider access through the educational opportunities provided by the recruitment of an education officer for the cinema.”

The work is set to begin in January and staff are confident it will remain open and fully operational throughout the repairs process.