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.

Scala Project Update April 08

Dated: Apr 21 2008, 07:50 AM

Catrin Jones Denbighshire County Council Project Manager has kindly provided us with the following update on the progress of the new Scala:

9th of April 2008

General Manager
The board of directors of the Scala Prestatyn Company Ltd have now appointed a General Manager to run and manage the Scala. Jeff Rourke lives in Rhyl and has 12 years of cinema and live event management; he will start on the 1st of May 2008.
As the construction of the venue is yet to complete, he will be based in County Hall in Ruthin in the interim.

Timescales
It is likely the Scala will be open to the public in the autumn of 2008.

Funding
An additional £101,000 has been successfully applied for from the Welsh Assembly Government.

The project remains within budget

Café/bar
Two companies shortlisted from the expression of interest process have been invited to go to full tender. Both companies are local.

Board of Directors
A total of 7 people were recruited, all demonstrating significant enthusiasm, knowledge and experience relevant and appropriate for the Scala’s future.
Three sub groups have been established to address and work on the following:
• Education, training and community involvement
• Publicity, marketing and public relations
• Finance and fundraising

Bookings
The Scala’s first booking has taken place! As it’s the National Year of Reading, DCC Library Services are actively promoting books by holding events for residents to meet with authors; the Scala will host a Readers Day event in November 2008. Cinema number 2 and 3 community rooms have been provisionally reserved.

106 Agreement
Discussions are still taking place regarding the various 106 Agreements relating to the Scala, though the Stadium contribution has been agreed and will be allocated to tourism information within the Scala.

Time Capsule
The burial of the time capsule will be the first public occasion to launch the Scala, the new board and the appointment of the General Manager. As previously notified, all schools have been contacted with a view to putting together pieces of art or other work to place in the capsule. No definite date has been arranged as yet though it’s anticipated it will take place in late April early May.

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.

Register with us

Dated: Oct 24 2007, 10:24 PM

Please remember when your browsing our website hit the forum button on the menu bar and register.
It only takes 2 minutes, once you are registered you can post and have your say, or just read what others have to say. As much or as little as you like.
Dont forget to register!!!

Friends of the Scala joins facebook

Dated: Oct 23 2007, 06:55 PM

For those of you who use face book and have an account you can now keep up to date and link to the official website through face book groups.
Tell your friends

Friends of the scala on facebook

Scala Site Pictures

Dated: Oct 12 2007, 11:58 AM

Pictures taken by friends of the scala on there recent visit to the site are explained in the forums to see explainations follow the link below
PHOTO'S EXPLAINED

Friends visit Scala site.

Dated: Oct 11 2007, 05:08 PM

Friends of the Scala today visited the site of the new building to see just how far the work has come along, Sandra Pitt (Chair) Frank Bailey (vice chair) Daniel Graham (secretary) Fred Hobbs and Lillian Bailey had a sneak preview behind the closed gates and fences of the building site. Workmen very busy carried on working as the tour was held.Building work has gone much further than expected with interior walls and rooms now being built and we were all very surprised at the progress as the weather in Prestatyn hasn't really helped much over the last few months. Dressing rooms and stores are beginning to take shape the lift shaft and upper floors are being worked on.

The busiest of the work was being carried out at the original part of the building being the middle of a matching terrace off the high street, the old box office foyer area being taken back to its brick work and original level of access.But by far the most wonderful work is the original brick coving and architecture work on the frontage of the building the arched windows from the old green room being replaced and taken to floor height so the new café bar area has windows to the floor for added light and feature. The work on the coving and brick work at the front hasn't started yet but you can still see how wonderful it will be again from what is left from behind the 60's façade.Having the middle terrace match its sister properties either side at the building society and the chemist.

It really was a great treat for the friends of the Scala to have this preview of the work and we thank everyone involved in setting it up and the building contractors for putting up with us walking round asking questions.I have taken picture on my way round of parts of the New Building which can be seen here.
Click here for pictures

New Scala Taking shape.

Dated: Oct 3 2007, 10:45 PM

Well the new Scala is now really taking shape, although it still looks like a building site it is now becoming a building again with workmen very busy constructing the all new Scala Cinema/Arts Centre a building that will always be remembered.

I know myself and the Friends of the Scala are very proud and very excited with the new building running to schedule even though Prestatyn was hit by the flash floods. I would like to thank the builders and all involved for all the hard work, we're not there yet but we can see the new Scala being re-born for the community and years to come.

View more exclusive photo's

Scala on track to open next August 2008

Dated: Sep 14 2007, 05:05 PM

Management for the Scala Cinema and Arts Centre in Prestatyn have confirmed it is set to be completed by next summer, following the resurgence of the Ffrith Beach Festival Gardens.
Newly-appointed project manager Catrin Jones was joined by Paul Murphy, Denbighshire County Council's head of tourism, heritage and culture, at Prestatyn Town Council last Wednesday, where they reiterated how the project is on course for completition.

Ms Jones, who has a background in consultancy, said: "Our contractors, RL Davies, are on track to finish by May 2008 and we will open for business next August. There was a delay for a couple of weeks due to the weather but otherwise everything is fine.

"We are now recruiting directors who we hope will have the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to help us in our preparations.

"We are planning to have some meetings with people from cinemas similar to the Scala to help us know what the best practices are."

The Scala is set to reopen as a £3.4million multi-purpose cinema and arts facility, with its two screens to show new films and capable of seating 150 people.

Its premises will allow for flexible use, such as live stage performances, conferences, trade fairs and
large meetings.

The reopening of the Scala will bring to an end a long-running battle by campaigners to have the High Street facility back in action, having closed due to safety concerns in December 2000.

Nigel Acott, Prestatyn town clerk, expressed concern at the council's limited involvement at project review meetings, despite having helped secure the necessary funding for the Scala to reopen.

Mr Murphy said: "It is important this project works. If the town council is desperate for it to work then from a personal point of view I do not see a problem with that (council representatives attending), but that is for the project board to decide."

Ms Jones agreed to attend future council meetings to help update councillors on the Scala's progress. Anyone interested in becoming an unpaid member of the board of directors is asked to call her on 01824 706253 for application details.

Source: Rhyl Journal.

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

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the friends

will be held on

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 181 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 its proposed replacement or fundraising ideas:

Enter the Message Board

Users browsing our Forums: 3

Active Members: 0

Active Guests: 3

Active Anonymous Members: 0

Message Board Statistics:

Total Posts: 398

Total Topics: 228

Total Replies: 170

Registered Forum Members: 42

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.