Film / News
Cube to shut after refurb plans approved
The Cube Microplex will close for almost a year as volunteers work to refurbish the creaking cinema and arts centre.
But organisers are also planning an “ambitious” programme of pop-up events to replace the regular scheduling.
Planning permission was given in June for the transformation, which will include a bigger lounge and bar area with more natural light, improved access and a striking charred wood exterior.
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Early proposals suggest the centre will shut its doors from May next year until March 2017, while the work is carried out.
“There are ambitious plans afoot for outside programming while the venue is closed,” a spokesman said. “We will still be alive.”
Volunteers bought the building from its previous landlords in April 2014 after raising more than £200,000 in a year through crowdfunding and grants.
The Cube was set up by a group of artists in 1998 as an alternative cinema and arts centre, but became truly independent when the building changed hands last year.
Since then volunteers have been working with architects on a redesign which will open up the building and improve disabled access.
Alex Turner, spokesman and volunteer for the Cube, said the plans would “preserve the auditorium” which he called the “heart of the cube”.
He added: “The bar will be much bigger, and the lounge area adjacent to the auditorium will be extended to double height, meaning we can have level access from the car park to the auditorium.”
The building will be clad in timber with a charred finish, if approved by the council. All works – inside and out – plan to be carried out by partly by professionals and partly by volunteers, with training and workshops incorporated into the build.
The cinema held an open day event in October to present the plans which have been developed with the help of members and visitors.
Among the demands were to conserve the treasured parquet floor of the bar. “It could still be a part of floor, or end up on the walls, as furniture, or even (in part) be sold off as nostalgic souvenirs,” Turner said.
He added that there is no risk of the venue turning into a “mini Watershed”. “Obviously things will look different but all the final fitting-out phase of interior will be done by volunteers so the Cube’s jerry-built and homely character should be inbuilt as we do this,” he said.
The cost of the refurbishment is under wraps while the tendering process is underway. The Cube hopes get more Arts Council funding and may look to the public again to help pay for the improvements.