Following a study to assess the feasibility of opening a movie theatre, the feedback is that Dumfries is “well placed to support a cinema development in the town centre.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council is now considering whether to take the next step and invest some cash in a full appraisal with potential site options.
The matter is due to be discussed by members of the economy and resources committee next Tuesday.
It was previously agreed in November last year to spend £15,000 on a feasibility study to consider the market potential for a five-screen cinema with complementary leisure uses.
Entertainment Solution Services Ltd (ESS), in collaboration with AD Studio and RLF, were commissioned to carry out the study and report back on whether it was a commercially viable option for Dumfries town centre.
The experts believe the idea could come to fruition – as long as there were other business uses in the building to ensure ongoing profit.
Their report states: “An indicative cinema layout design was produced alongside a high-level capital construction and fit out cost estimate. These give a sense of scale and perspective to inform the next steps.
“Industry analysis demonstrates that Dumfries is well placed to support a cinema development in the town centre.
“ESS recommends a community-focused, and event driven cinema, which could fulfil the current gap in cinema provision.”
Councillors will now be asked to begin engagement with community stakeholders and hire appropriate professional services to develop the cinema proposition with a commercial appraisal of potential site options that may bring forward operator interest.
The estimated cost is approximately £50,000 for the first stage and £25,000 to soft market test.
A shortlist of locations with wider development potential would be agreed in a suitable town centre position.
The council report continues: “The conclusion of this work would be to direct owners and the council as to the appetite of the market to develop and if there are any needs for public sector intervention to support delivery.”
