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Looking for help with Clarendon Cinema
posted by
Michael Zoldessy
on
July 10, 2009 at 3:35 pm
ASHFORD, SURREY, ENGLAND — Hi, I want to save the Clarendon Cinema on Clarendon Road in Ashford, Middlesex.
It’s now been empty for about a year, after the last tenant left. It was being used for Aircraft spare part storage.
It is thought that it is going to demolished for flats. It’s worth saving as a house at least.
Is there any way of having it saved? I have seen old pictures of it in it’s heyday and it looked fantastic.
Thanks,
Euan McLintock
Comments (3)
Who else is supporting you on this effort? The Fox Theatre in Fullerton, So. California was saved in the last few years. Google them for current means of saving a theatre. Do you have any help via your city council or the government for preservation?
Lorraine Chambers
www.myspace.com/emeraldlorraine
Start by forming a committee of like-minded people. Then work out some sort of business plan on what you think the theater could be used for. For example, if there are theater groups in the area, approach them to see if they would use the theater for their performances. Look into forming a non-profit corporation so this way you can do fund-raising and accept government grants.
Most theaters have gone out of business because they no longer served a purpose. People moved away, audiences dwindled, a new theater opened up down the street, etc. If you can figure out what it can be used for that will help you create a plan for the theater.
One must bear in mind, too, though, danpetitpas, that there’s a whole host of other reasons why most theatres have gone of business due to audiences dwindling:
A) Rude, obnoxious and/or cellphone-using and/or texting patrons
B) Overpriced movie admissions and concessions
C) Theatres not kept very clean (sticky floors, etc.)