Campaigners say they are still committed to reopening the digital cinema and arts centre.
A last-ditch plea for help was made by supporters of a cinema who have had to shut it from today.
Scala Cinema, Prestatyn (Credit: Daily Post)
The final curtain is being drawn at the Scala cinema in Prestatyn by the Scala Trust who have made a final attempt to save it.
The Scala closed in 2000 but re-opened in February 2009 after a £3.5m facelift as Wales first all digital cinema and arts centre iand was a project to help regenerate Prestatyn.
It succeeded in bringing in between 80,000 and 100,000 people through its doors and on to Prestatyn High Street each year.
Trust chair Rhiannon Hughes the Scala was in desperate need of cash to restructure and appealed to local businesses or individuals to get involved to re-open it.
Mrs Hughes said:
“The Scala Trust is committed to re opening the Scala if at all possible but cannot do this on its own. Urgent assistance is required. I would like to thank the small team of staff who have worked so hard not only with the public but all the behind the scenes and the many unpaid hours worked to make the venue a success. I would also like to thank the many volunteers who have supported the staff in making this wonderful venue such a welcoming and friendly place to visit.
Public support for Prestatyn Scala on High Street Prestatyn
It received funding from Denbighshire County Council with a remit to deliver an educational and community programme as well as being a cinema.
This was recognised when the Scala won the prestigious Royal Institute Chartered Surveyors (RICS) International award for its community work bringing this award to Wales for the first time.
The Trust was told in October last year that it would be losing its funding from Denbighshire council this year.
As well as working at a local community level the Scala has delivered national programmes and worked internationally with young film makers and film providers world-wide.
General manager Chris Bond said:
“We would like to apologise to all our customers and community groups who will be inconvenienced by this closure. While we are doing everything we can to secure the Scala’s long term future, this now looks very uncertain. We are all very proud of what has been achieved to date and sincerely hope this will be allowed to continue.”
Source: Daily Post News Article 08.01.15 by Hywel Trewyn. Images courtesy of Daily Post.
