The charity responsible for bringing back an iconic Prestwick cinema has been granted funding to purchase the building after a successful bid to the Scottish Land Fund. The Art Deco gem on Main Street, fondly remembered by generations of Ayrshire cinemagoers, will be brought into community ownership, and redeveloped into a cinema, multi-purpose entertainment venue, and inclusive space that will benefit the whole community.
Professor Guy Walker, Chair of Friends of the Broadway, said:
“Bringing back the Broadway started as a dream held by a committed group of Prestwick residents. Today that dream came true. The building will be owned by the community, and we are ‘bringing the Broadway back’ for everyone who said they would love to see films here again. Over the years people have asked us what’s happening with the building, and expressed their wish for something for young and older people to do in the town - well this is our Christmas present to you!”.
Broadway Cinema prior to restoration
The Scottish Land Fund has awarded Friends of the Broadway the majority of the purchase price, with building owners, Buzzworks Group, contributing a significant six figure discount to enable it to pass into community ownership. Indeed, the charity has been supported and encouraged from the beginning of the journey, by Buzzworks and the business’ chairman Colin Blair, who commented:
“We are proud to support Friends of the Broadway and hope this further significant financial contribution will allow the group to continue its vital work in preserving this historic building, while creating an amenity for the community of Prestwick to enjoy for years to come.”
In addition to the purchase price, the Scottish Land Fund has also awarded £50,000 for immediate essential maintenance and further funding for a Project Development Officer, to drive the project forward into the next phases of renovation. Friends of the Broadway would also like to thank South Ayrshire Council, who have offered extensive help and support during the funding process.
Built in 1935, the Broadway Cinema is a surviving example of Scotland’s golden age of cinema; a time when even the biggest movie releases were brought to local high streets to be enjoyed by all ages. Originally seating over 1,000 people, large parts of the building remain unchanged. Cigarette ends still linger in the circle’s ashtrays and the projection room appears as a time capsule, with reels and equipment in the same spot as when they were last used. The last film was shown in 1976, and after that the building was put to many uses, including a leisure centre, amusement arcade, and squash courts. But it is Friends of the Broadway who will now restore the historic building to its original purpose.
With heritage preservation at the core of the charity’s aims, the building will be brought back to life in partnership with architects Burrell Foley Fischer, who specialise in heritage cinema and theatre design. The original art deco features of the cinema will be honoured, with new additional features that will ensure it is accessible and convenient for modern day visitors.
With the funding confirmed, the next phase of planning and development can now begin. If you’d like to find out more about The Broadway Cinema, the charity, or to offer your support visit www.friendsofthebroadwayprestwick.com.