If successful in its tender to take over the Belgrave Twin Cinema, the Armidale Ex-Services Club has given an assurance that it would retain the existing community charter.
Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay held talks with CEO Bob Ryan last week to voice concerns that had been raised with him.
“The meeting was not to pre-empt the tender process which is ongoing,” the MP said.
“But, since the publicity regarding the Club’s bid has been circulating, many anxious cinema goers have contacted me.
“Their concern is that the existing arrangement for a mix of popular mainstream and art house movies might be jeopardised by any change in ownership.
“I am delighted that the Servies is right behind the community contract for the Belgrave which has existed from the time it first started operating.”
Mr Torbay said the cinema had begun as a joint venture between the Ex-Services Club and the UNE Union when he was its CEO.
“We negotiated with Friends of the Cinema who had kept cinema alive in Armidale for many years that we would maintain a good mix for all movie goers,” he said.
“That has continued to this day with the International Film Festival, the Masterpiece program, the Metropolitan Opera and National Theatre strongly supported by both the cinema and its audiences.”
The MP said the Belgrave was an important cultural institution in Armidale and had always reflected broad community interests.
“Mr Ryan is keen to continue to work with groups like the International Film Festival committee and the movie enthusiasts who enjoy art house films.
“While there is still some way to go in the tender process, I am pleased to have his assurances that there is no intention to change the current successful community formula.”
