Prestwick Broadway Cinema set for restoration after group secure license to occupy
Friends of Broadway Prestwick now legally occupy the cinema from the 1930's after they agreed on a license with Buzzworks
The historic Broadway Cinema in Prestwick is a step closer to becoming community owned after the group fighting to restore the listed building secured an official license to occupy it.
Friends of Broadway Prestwick have been fighting to restore the cinema for a number of years but have now made their most significant step towards that.
The charity has agreed to become the legal occupants after the owners Buzzworks Holdings backed their campaign.
They have now signed a licence to occupy the Category C Listed building this week as it prepares to apply for community ownership of the venue.
The licence now paves the way for the group to obtain funding to restore and renovate in its entirety the cinema which opened in .
One of the directors of the Friends of Broadway is telling Greatest Hits Radio they hope for the venue to be ‘restored to its former glory’ and make it an exciting neighbourhood cinema, local venue, and inclusive community space.
Kyle Macfarlane said: “For some time the community have been wondering what is happening to the Broadway, and we are delighted to announce that we are now at a stage where we can apply for community ownership, thanks to the wonderful support we have received from Buzzworks.
"The front entrance doors have been shut and boarded over for almost twenty years. They don’t just hide the amazing interior of the building, but also the hard work taking place behind the scenes to bring the Broadway back for the community.
“Signing a licence to occupy the building means we can reopen those doors. This is a massive step forward for the future of the Broadway as our project enters its next chapter.
"We have been very fortunate to have Buzzworks’ backing in securing the licence to occupy the building, and this ultimately paves the way for our group to ensure this valuable piece of Prestwick’s heritage is restored to its former glory.”
The group are now encouraging as many people as possible to get involved in the project and sign up to become a member.
They’ve secured over 200 members since announcing the news and say the group is going from strength to strength as they endeavour to make the Broadway Cinema a landmark in all Ayrshire.