Work set to start on Galway's €4m arthouse cinema

GALWAY CITY Council’s planned “cultural quarter” has taken a step forward with confirmation that construction is due to start…

GALWAY CITY Council’s planned “cultural quarter” has taken a step forward with confirmation that construction is due to start shortly on a €4 million arthouse cinema.

The 350-seat cinema is being developed on Merchant’s Road, close to the docks. The project has been initiated in partnership with Solas, comprising Galway Film Society, Galway Film Fleadh, Galway Film Centre and Galway Arts Centre.

Initial works will begin next month and construction is due to begin in June just after the departure of the Volvo Ocean Race.

Three cinemas are incorporated in the design – a 176-seater at basement level, a 77-seater on the second floor and a 105-seater on the third floor including 28 seats on the balcony.

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The cinemas, equipped for 35mm and digital projection, will screen films of the “widest cultural diversity and will offer programmes that are innovative in form and challenging in content,” the city council says.

“Programmes will include Irish-made films, films in the Irish language, European and independent feature films, documentaries, animation, classic films as well as thematic, archival and retrospective cinema. Special emphasis will be given to educational screenings and matinee opportunities for diverse audiences,” it says.

The development includes a cafe and a bar area, a book and DVD shop and an online archive link to the National Film Archive and “specialist online cinema resources”, the council says.

The project was earmarked in the current city development plan which recognised a “deficit of culture and arts infrastructure in the city”. The authority has acquired additional property in the area as part of its “cultural quarter” plans, incorporating the new cinema and the existing city museum.

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins is the former western and marine correspondent of The Irish Times