Welcome!

Hello and welcome to the official website of The Friends of the Scala Cinema and Arts Centre!

We're working together with residents of Prestatyn, neighbouring communities, Prestatyn Town Council and Denbighshire County Council to support our town's historic Scala Cinema and Arts Centre. The original Scala Cinema, which opened during 1913, was sadly forced to close in December 2000, due to neglect and the high cost of much needed rebuilding.

The Friends of the Scala have continued to work tirelessly since 2001 and are committed to ensuring the town, residents and visitors to Prestatyn receive a quality, manageable and modern replacement cinema and theatre facility.

Construction of the new Scala commenced in February 2007. It will help regenerate our town, increase employment, improve tourism and provide much needed facilities for community volunteer groups whilst providing a convenient and exciting digital Cinema with the latest films, Exhibition and Theatre venues.

This website exists so that you can learn more about what we do, who we are, why the Scala is so important and how you can help preserve an important and vital part of Prestatyn's heritage. Thank you for visiting us.

Up to date news regarding Prestatyn's Scala Cinema

This page contains our most recent news articles, keeping you up to date with the Friends of the Scala and news concerning the development of Prestatyn's Scala Cinema and Arts Centre. Previous news articles are available within our dedicated News Archive forum, where registered members are most welcome to add their thoughts, comments and feedback.

The Prestatyn Scala Co Limited

Dated: Oct 13 2008, 10:18 AM

The Scala Prestatyn Co Ltd are now in a position to invite members of the local community to consider and apply for volunteering roles within the new and very exciting cinema and arts centre in Prestatyn. We are aiming for a start date in November/December and are very keen to have a band of volunteers trained and ready for the opening.

Roles will be mostly front of house duties including manning beverage and sweet counters, and seat ushering within the cinemas. Other opportunities will be available in the Scala which will also be used for a variety of arts events.

Our team of volunteers will provide a very important service and will act as our ambassadors for the Scala, under the direction of the management team.

For application form and role description, please contact Jonathon at the Pop In Centre in Prestatyn on 01745 857722. If he is not available, please leave contact details on the answer phone.

We will be working closely with Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council whose advice and support will be welcomed by the Trustees.

Scala

Dated: Oct 13 2008, 10:11 AM

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!

Source: DCC website updated 1/10/08

New pictures

Dated: Oct 13 2008, 09:31 AM

1 Studio Theatre cinema screen 2
2 Main Cinema Screen 1
3 Stairs first floor landing to Second floor

1 Studio Theatre cinema screen 2 seating folded back to create dance hall
2 Box office main reception area
3 Studio / Gallery space

Building update Aug 2008

Dated: Aug 10 2008, 03:30 PM

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:

->Steelwork alterations for curtain walling
->Curtain Wall frame currently being installed
->All containment has been completed
->Fit out specialists have agreed that 1st fix is complete
->Fire Alarm 1st fix complete
->2nd fix fire alarm is ongoing

->Within Cinema number 1, the seats and carpets have now been installed and within cinema number 2, the wooden flooring is being installed and the seating will be in by the end of this week.

Click for more details
Source: DCC website

Friends of the Scala

Dated: Aug 7 2008, 11:39 PM

Friends of the Scala are writing a book on the Scala's history Fred Hobbs one of our most dedicated followers and local historian is putting together a book of the scala'a history from the days before it was built.
Trying not to give too much away Fred has gone the length and width of Denbighshire to libraries Denbighshire achieves and other sources as well as his own detailed knowledge of the Scala to put together the book which Friends of the Scala are in the middle of getting monies together to publish.

He has gone way back before the Scala building was built to when the land was near enough on the seashore, the book will contain details of the town hall opening, the opening celebration menu write through its Saronie days, Refurbishment into a proper cinema, 60's refurbishment when the art deco paneling was erected to the front of the building to its closure December 2000.

From that day onwards myself and Sandra will be writing the history of the friends of the Scala the fight to save the building from demolition and through until its opening day again.

There will be paperback copies being hopefully sold in the building when its reopened but we will also be taking orders for a special limited edition hard back book which there will only be a certain amount ever printed.

I will keep you posted of the progression of the book and the costing or both paperback and limited edition books when we have had all the costing, also details of putting your names on the list to go forward to be in with a chance of owning a limited edition book.

Watch this space!

Prestatyn Carnival 08

Dated: Aug 7 2008, 10:26 AM

First of all i would like to thank Sandra, Mel Bryn and Glenys for all there hard work getting ready for the carnival, also a big thanks to Gav and Baz (The storm troopers) for coming along and parading with us you looked great.

Everyone involved looked brilliant and worked hard even though the Wind and rain for the first part of the day were a problem many of the floats including ours got a bit battered but all carried on in true community/ Carnival spirit. THANK YOU

Friends of the Scala for the Third year running won prizes, we got Third in the Mayors theme (recycling) and runner up in Best Adult Tableau and have a nice 25.00 cheque to bank for our efforts.

Friends of the Scala T-Shirts

Dated: Aug 4 2008, 09:53 PM

Friends of the Scala T-Shirts are now available. The classic White T-Shirts are 7.99 and can be bought on our stall at coffee mornings, local events or via the website please e-mail me with requests for T-Shirts and I will get back to you as soon as possible to arrange payment and delivery.

Friends of the Scala is a registered Charity and all proceeds greatly help our cause.
(Registered charity no: 1116865)

Assembly cash set for Scala

Dated: Apr 21 2008, 07:46 AM

A TOWN Centre attraction set to open later this year has received a new Assembly funding windfall.The revamped Scala Cinema and Arts Centre in High Street, Prestatyn, this week received an additional £101,000. The £3.4 million multi-purpose complex with two screens to show new films, capable of seating 150 people, live performance stage, conference and meeting facility, is expected to open this October.
The latest pledge of £101,000 will be used to assist the project with its third floor digital lab which will be used by local community groups and schools. Vale of Clwyd AM Ann Jones said: “This additional grant of £101,000 will ensure the community involvement is maintained. development.”

By Terry Canty Rhyl and Prestatyn Journal (Source)

Scala's golden days to return in Autumn

Dated: Apr 21 2008, 07:43 AM

A TOWN centre attraction is on course to reopen later this year.The revamped Scala Cinema and Arts Centre in High Street, Prestatyn, is scheduled to be in use by the public in October, nearly eight years after the building was closed due to safety concerns.The Scala is reopening as a £3.4million multi-purpose facility, with its two screens to show new films and capable of seating 150 people. It will have flexible use, such as live stage performances, conferences, trade fairs and meetings.
Cllr Julian Thompson Hill, of Denbighshire County Council's cabinet, told Prestatyn Town Council that construction work is "going very well" and adverts are being placed for a general manager of the complex and other roles at the facility.He added: "We are only a couple of weeks behind schedule due to weather issues. A lot of the structural work is done and the work should be done by May." The town council is planning to place a time capsule in the grounds of the centre for future generations to unearth as a reminder of the towns heritage.
By Andrew Boyd (Source Rhyl and Prestatyn Journal)

Green light for capital projects

Dated: Mar 3 2008, 03:35 AM

Source: DCC WEBSITE

Roads in Denbighshire are set to benefit from new investment agreed by councillors as part of the Council's Capital funds allocation for 2008/09.

Highways are the main beneficiaries from £2 million of prudential borrowing, which the Council is funding from its own revenue resources. Projects to be funded include resurfacing the A548 Coast Road between Rhyl and Prestatyn and carriageway surfacing programme on other county roads.

The refurbishment of the Cefndy Road building as an alternative premises for the Pupil Referral Unit is another project funded under the plan.

The overall capital plan programme is worth £25 million, the majority of which is related to significant long standing projects that will be completed during the financial year.

Other new projects awarded Capital funding include:
· Health and safety/maintenance works to school kitchens
· Bridge assessments and strengthening
· Highway drainage schemes
· Improving standard of protection for communities historically affected by flooding
· Reducing accidents and speeds in vicinity of schools
· Detailed design for coastal defence works

On-going capital-funded projects include:
· New community learning centres at Ysgol Brynhyfryd (Ruthin), Prestatyn High School and Ysgol Dinas Bran (Llangollen)
· Development of the Scala Cinema and Arts Centre, Prestatyn
· Redevelopment of Ruthin Craft Centre
· Building Ysgol Clawdd Offa, the new primary school for Prestatyn
· Phase 2 of the Ysgol Tir Morfa redevelopment at Rhyl
· Implementation of a project to protect the heather and hillforts of the Clwydian Range and Llantysilio Mountain.

New Scala's General Manager sought after

Dated: Feb 19 2008, 01:35 PM

Attached is a link to the Job Description and application to the Daily Post, which as of this week have started advertising for the New Scala's General Manager.

Scala Manager- Daily Post

The link to this advert is to the Daily post website Classified pages jobswales.co.uk.

Scala site new pictures 3

Dated: Feb 10 2008, 05:25 PM

Here are the latest Scala site pictures taken by Sandra Pitt on the Friends visit to the site in February 2008.
Latest Pictures Feb08

Scala site New Pictures

Dated: Jan 26 2008, 06:11 PM

These pictures have been provided by Catrin Jones Scala Project Manager DCC

Scala Site Pictures 2

Problems with the building site.

Dated: Dec 11 2007, 12:36 PM

Any problems with the building site whether it be due to weather conditions or vandalism can be reported to Denbighshire County Council on: 01824 706 555 in office hours.
And out of hours to the DCC emergency team on: 01745 351 205.

Your details will be taken and a description of the problem they will then be passed to the relevant department or out of hours contact to be sorted.

Catrin Jones DCC Scala Project Manager

Dated: Dec 11 2007, 11:48 AM

Cyfeillion y Scala/Friends of the Scala

Monday 26^th November 2007

Update

Funding
Extra £16,500 received from the Welsh Assembly Government Department of Transport and the Economy.
UK Film Council bid will be submitted by the 30^th of November, items bid for include:

· Ticketing system

· Seating

· Assisted technology for those with a sensory impairment

· Information display system
The maximum value is £50,000 and we are applying for the
full amount which will contribute 50% to the cost of the above.
Café/bar
At the last Project Board it was agreed that the café/bar should be managed and run by an external organisation/individual. Invitations to express an interest will be released within the next 1 or 2 months.
Time Capsule
Prestatyn Town Council came up with the ingenious idea of placing a time capsule in the Scala. Meetings were arranged with all the schools in Prestatyn to invite and discuss ideas regarding the contents – it was suggested that pictures/photos/paintings depicting film and/or theatre in Prestatyn would be the most appropriate.
Visioning Event
An event to determine the ethos, focus and direction of the Scala will take place in January or February of next year. Further details will be provided.
Directors
An informal information session will take place in La Freccia Ffrith Beach on the 5^th of December for those who applied to be directors. This will give prospective directors an overview of their responsibilities and further detail regarding the Scala and its future. Following this event, interviews will take place on the 11^th of December.

Don't forget, you can read previous news articles and add your comments in our dedicated News Archive forum.

NEXT MEETING

Date and time of the next meeting will be:

Tuesday December 2nd 7:30pm at

Bryns house. Call Sandra for details

01745 888154

During October 2006, The Friends of the Scala Arts Centre delivered voting forms to as many Prestatyn households as possible.

By 4.11.06, we had received 1260 'Yes' Votes and 27 'No' votes.

If you didn't vote at the time, please feel free to use the poll below which will remain open to reflect the opinions of our online visitors:

Do you believe the Scala is a key part, and critical to the regeneration of Prestatyn town centre?

We have received a total of 302 online votes via this poll. Thank you!

Interested in vintage photos, prints and maps of Prestatyn, Rhyl and neighboring towns? You can support the Friends of the Scala by purchasing direct from the Frith Collection available here. Thank you!

Community Forums

Our community forums provide the perfect platform to share your memories of Prestatyn's much loved Scala Cinema or to discuss the new replacement Cinema, local community news and fundraising ideas:

Enter the Message Board

Scala Chronology

A Scala Slideshow and Chronology with a larger text size version of this timeline is available here.

1872 - James 'Saronie' Roberts born in Liverpool.

1900 - July 26th. Prestatyn's Town Hall opened, owned by a solicitor Mr Ffoulkes Roberts who practiced at Denbigh.

1901 - Auditorium added.

1910 - James rented and began screening films at Prestatyn's Town Hall under the name of Saronie's Enterprises.

1910 - Roberts screened the funeral of late King Edward VII. His funeral procession is said to have been one of the the first occasions when colour news film, Kinemacolor, was used.

1912 - James Roberts changed his name to Saronie as he felt it was more impressive in his work as a cinematographer.

1913 - Saronie had taken over the Town Hall and renamed it the Scala Cinema.

1915 - May. Saronie showed the first colour film of Prestatyn at the Scala. He also showed films to the troops from Kinmel Park.

1930 - March. Saronie showed his first 'talkie' picture at the Scala Cinema. In the same year, Saronie modernised and enlarged the Cinema. Seating for 400 people was installed.

1933 - The monster movie King Kong had its North Wales premier at the Scala (pictured above) with queues extending halfway up the High Street.

1963 - Saronie ended his cinema career, selling the Scala to Prestatyn Urban District Council, later to become Prestatyn Town Council.

1964 - The Scala's fascia and arches were covered with the 'modern' blue and green frontage it still sports today and the building's clock tower was removed. The large window surrounds and brick archways were substantially destroyed.

1967 - June 16th. Saronie sadly passed away from a stroke at his home at 'Hillcourt', Mount Ida Road, Prestatyn. He is buried at Meliden Church.

2000 - December. Prestatyn's Scala Cinema was forced to close for safety reasons due to deteriorating structural condition, after screening its final film How the Grinch stole Christmas.

2001 - February. Public Meeting at the Nova. Agreed to set up a Scala Advisory Group with representation from all key interests in the community. The Advisory Group would provide a sounding board and a steer for the project. A revised application was submitted for Arts Lottery funding to carry out the Scala Feasibility Study and initial public consultations were carried out via questionnaire survey.

2001 - March. Friends of the Scala were set up to lobby councillors and get the cinema re-opened. First meeting of Scala Advisory Group and Arts Council for Wales award Lottery grant for Scala Feasibility Study.

2001 - May. Further deterioration of the structural condition of building was discovered. External scaffolding was required to support the main auditorium.

2001 - July. The structural condition of the auditorium continued to deteriorate. Decision eventually taken to demolish the auditorium. In November, a draft ‘Vision’ document for the new Scala was agreed by the Advisory Group and published for comments followed by a public meeting.

2003 - December. New twin screen cinema plans revealed, designed by London-based architects Burrel Foley Fischer. A community room, studio for theatre use, visual arts gallery, café bar and improved access for the disabled are included.

2003 - January. The Scala Advisory Group agreed to set up a charitable company to manage and operate the proposed new cinema. A second, more detailed study into the renovation proposals, was commissioned and cost in the region of £50,000 to look at how much money the Scala would be expected to make upon opening.

2004 - October. The Welsh Assembly Government awarded a cash boost for the project providing Denbighshire Council £200,000.

2005 - October. The long-running campaign was been boosted by the offer of a £1.5m grant by the Welsh Assembly Government's Physical Regeneration Fund, offered to Denbighshire County Council. The total cost of the regeneration scheme is now estimated to be around £3.5m.

2006 - May 25th. DCC issued a press statement stating they were moving forward with the next phase of four major projects including the Scala Cinema. Cllr Paul Marfleet, Lead Member for Finance said "the Scala Arts Centre project plays a pivotal role in the regeneration of the town."

2006 - September 19th. DCC issued a press release stating the people of Prestatyn have been given two months to prove that they can make the Scala work as a community project. Denbighshire County Council unanimously decided to give Prestatyn Town Council and residents until November to prove that they can take forward the project. Pending that decision, the allocation previously made for the project should be moved elsewhere. The decision came following a thorough debate on the Capital Plan in which nearly twenty members spoke and which resulted in the unanimous decision. Journal Press Article.

2006 - September. Sandra Pitt, Chairperson of Friends of the Scala thanked the Councillors who represent Prestatyn, for their support in our campaign to re-open the new Scala Cinema, Arts Centre, Live Theatre and Café Bar. She called community effort to assist in the fundraising and to show support for the new Scala. Street collections, supported by Prestatyn's Environmental Association and CoastFM Radio helped raise funding and awareness.

2006 October. Friends of the Scala and Prestatyn and District Environmental Association delivered voting forms to as many Prestatyn households as possible. Support was overwhelming.

2006 November4th. Ann Jones AM collected the vote forms from the Friends of the Scala (see photo). The votes were taken by Ann Jones to be presented to Edwina Heart, Minister at the National Assembly.

2006 November. Friends of the Scala launched their official website to generate support and raise awareness online.

2006 November. At a private meeting, Prestatyn councillors unanimously pledged to contribute up to £1 million towards the Scala project. However, the move depended on whether Denbighshire County Council, at a crucial meeting on November 21, would choose to support the £3.4 million scheme. If they decided to scrap plans for the facility, then £1.5 million in Assembly grants would be lost. Read more.

2006 November. Friends of the Scala was successful in becoming an officially registered Charity.

2006 November 21st. Denbighshire County Council voted yes to the new Scala going ahead at their Cabinet meeting. Campaigning had finally paid off. Read the full DCC Press Statement. See who supported your Scala Cinema and Arts Centre.

2007 January 24th. DCC confirmed the Scala funding was finally fully secured and that construction work would start by March 2007.

2007 January. DCC confirmed that a contractor had been chosen. Dave Bellfield from R.L. Davies Ltd of Colwyn Bay, said: "We are delighted to have secured the contract to build the new Scala Cinema and Arts Centre, as we know how much this scheme means to the people of Prestatyn." Read more.

2007 February. Work commences on the new Prestatyn Scala Cinema!

2007 March 13th. Community call for Scala! Denbighshire County Council issue a press statement reporting local people are being given the opportunity to get involved with planning for its opening. Read more.

Return to top of chronology.