Many thanks to Andy Hemsley of The Rye Observer for the front page this week (3rd August 2012)
Just in case you only saw the front page from a moving car and didn't get the chance to read the continuation of the article on Page 2 - we'll reproduce it on this site when we've checked that's OK with The Observer.
The gist of it is that Fletcher is in talks with Kino Digital, the company that operates The Kino Cinema in Hawkhurst. We're optimistic that we can reach an agreement where they will run the Fletcher Centre as a 2-screen cinema.
It's really important to have the support of the local press and media and The Observer has been behind us all the way.
Here's our full Press release on which the article was based...
Cinema for Rye
Fletcher in talks with Kino
After several months of discussions, Fletcher in Rye CIC and Kino Digital are pleased to announce that they are working towards creating a 2-screen cinema on the Lion Street site - preserving an important public building and bringing an exciting entertainment venue to Rye.
A new 120-seat cinema will be built in- between what was the FE Centre and the Library and a more flexible auditorium seating up to 45 people will be created in The Art Room. The old Library will provide front of house facilities including a licensed café-bar/brasserie and a large terrace.
A memorandum of understanding has been signed between Fletcher in Rye and Kino Digital whereby the Kino will become an investor in the project and operate the venue.
The purchase of the former Library and FE Centre from Sussex Coast College Hastings (SCCH) also means that St Mary’s Church will take possession of the former FE Centre.
The original intention of SCCH was to sell the site to a developer for up-market housing, but a publicly-supported campaign prevented the demolition of the listed Art Room. Agreement was reached between St Mary’s and Fletcher to join forces to buy the site - separating the freehold on completion - the Fletcher and St Mary’s sites will be entirely independent.
Funds for the purchase were raised by Fletcher in Rye CIC with generous donations from individual supporters.
The task of raising £750,000 for the development starts now. Planning Permission will be sought from Rother District Council - who have been consulted along the way. Rye’s Jonathan Dunn Architects are preparing drawings and models.
who are we?
fletcher in rye cic
A group of local residents with experience in Business, Banking and Theatre, who came together originally to try to establish a theatre in The Monastery and promote the name of John Fletcher - the Jacobean playwright, and colleague of Shakespeare - who was born in Rye
The group’s focus switched to Lion Street when it was threatened with redevelopment
We believe Kino Digital is an ideal partner - helping us preserve Rye’s heritage by establishing creative and sustainable uses for its historic and potentially redundant buildings
kino digital
Owner and operator of the popular independent cinema and licensed café-bar in Hawkhurst - Kent
The Kino concept is to provide state-of-the-art digital high definition projection and sound in the most comfortable, convivial and stylish venue.
Kino would provide screenings throughout the day with a varied programme including main-stream, art-house, foreign language and children’s films as well as blockbusters, opera, ballet, theatre and music. The venue would also be available for private hire and special events.
what is a cic?
A CIC is a Community Interest Company - it can trade like a conventional business, but its assets have to be “locked-in” to a local charity - in this case The Rye Fund - part of Sussex Community Partnership
For more information, to follow the progress of the development and to get involved in raising funds go to www.fletcherinrye.co.uk
