New cinema proposed for the Black Isle
A THRIVING film society on the Black Isle looks set to take its next big step after plans were submitted for a permanent cinema to cater for growing demand.
The brand new cinema, which would be located on the seafront in Cromarty, will cater to Cromarty and Resolis Film Society events and serve as a base for the town’s increasingly popular annual film festival.
Cromarty Estate, which owns the land, has lodged the application in partnership the film society, which would act as its tenant.
The plans feature two key elements. The first is the cinema, which would be built on land close to the ferry slipway and next to an existing boat storage shed.
The cinema would seat roughly 30 people and host weekly screenings throughout the year, rising to twice a week in the summer. It would also be used to help house Cromarty’s growing film festival, which attracts fans and famous faces from across the country late every autumn.
Cromarty Estate also plans to build an office hub alongside the cinema in a bid to cater for growing business demand in the town.
In a supporting statement submitted by the estate alongside its application, its agents said: "A dedicated cinema space will allow screening all year which currently is not possible using existing buildings with poor black out facilities.
"The cinema may also be available for other users to hire for screenings, presentations and lectures."
They added that the cinema would also "ideally" feature an outdoor area "for summer screenings and festival events".
Making the case for new office space in the town, the estate said: "Cromarty has a thriving entrepreneurial community but this is not matched by suitable office accommodation with the result that many find themselves having to move their business bases from Cromarty to Dingwall, Tore or Inverness when they outgrow their own homes, with the resulting loss of employment opportunities in the town.
"Addressing this need... will make Cromarty a more balanced and sustainable community."
In a statement supporting the application, the film society said that a survey of Cromarty residents found that 82 per cent backed a cinema in the town and the same number would go to more screenings if the venue was better than what is currently on offer.
Justifying the decision to proceed with an all-new site for the cinema, the estate’s agents said the site’s position close to adequate parking and its location away from homes were both positives, as was the existing vehicle access from the harbour.
The buildings would feature dark metal cladding to the walls of the cinema, with timber cladding on the office hub.
If the plans are approved construction could start as early as spring next year.
