Grant to 'protect cinema for generations to come'

Hebden Bridge Picture House has been awarded funding that will help it put together a plan to make significant building improvements.

The £300,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will allow the town council to prepare a bid for full funding of £2.2m.

The management of the Grade II-listed site said they hoped it would allow it to become more inclusive and sustainable, so it could "continue to play a vital role in the cultural life of Hebden Bridge and the wider Calder Valley".

They will also look at how feasible it is to add a second screen within the building as part of the National Lottery's Heritage Fit for the Future project.

The 500-seat cinema, which was taken over by Hebden Royd Town Council in 2012, first opened in 1921.

Its age means it faces a number of challenges, including around accessibility for disabled customers.

The development phase will allow the Picture House to work with specialist consultants and architects, as well as the local community, on options to update the building to modern standards.

This would include improving step-free access, and also introducing measures to make the building more environmentally-friendly.

Councillor Keith Butterick, chair of the Picture House Committee, said: "This is wonderful news for Hebden Bridge Picture House and a real vote of confidence in the future of the cinema.

"It is heartening to see The National Lottery Heritage Fund recognise the importance of cinemas like ours, not only as historic buildings, but as working cinemas that continue to serve their communities.

"This gives us the chance to work with our audiences and community to shape thoughtful, ambitious plans that celebrate the Picture House's past, improve access, and strengthen its long-term future as a sustainable, much-loved cinema for generations to come."

Hebden Bridge Picture House shows the latest film releases, as well as live arts, special events and community screenings.

It is run on a not-for-profit basis.

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