Councillors back projector funding request

The Pickaquoy Centre Trust made a successful application to a council committee for £50,000 towards the cost of a new digital projector for the Phoenix Cinema.

The current projector is a 35mm celluloid projector which has been in use since the centre opened back in 1999.

A report before councillors at yesterday’s education, leisure and housing Committee said that the trust has consulted two companies heavily involved in the cinema industry who advised that by early 2013 the majority of film choices will no longer be available on 35mm print, and only available on digital format.

The estimated costs of replacing the projector was said to be £60,000, and the trust itself had identified £10,000 from its reserves towards the cost.

The OIC is responsible for major repairs and the replacement of the cinema equipment. The £50,000 is to be met from the Leisure Services budget under-spend. The funding decision will go to full council for ratification.