14/01/2025
Restoration Work Underway At Historic Strand Arts Centre
Restoration work has commenced on the Strand Arts Centre, Northern Ireland's last remaining Art Deco picture house, as the venue celebrates its 90th anniversary. The £6.5 million redevelopment project will see the cherished cinema, which dates back to 1935, preserved and enhanced, while also creating a new hub for the arts in east Belfast.
Funding for the project has been secured from the UK Government, Belfast City Council, and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside significant contributions from corporate and public sponsorships.
Upon completion in summer 2026, the revamped Strand will boast state-of-the-art cinema facilities, a licensed café, dedicated creative learning studios, and new performance spaces within the existing balcony screen and front stall areas. A captivating interactive exhibition will also be included, offering visitors a glimpse into the cinema's past and its place within Belfast's rich cinematic history.
The restoration will prioritize the preservation of original architectural features, including the iconic façade, entrance, and foyer. Improvements to accessibility will ensure the venue is inclusive for all audiences, while providing flexible spaces for community and charity use.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, said: "It is so positive to kick off 2025 with work to restore one of Belfast's most striking and beloved buildings, coinciding with Heritage Treasures Day today (Tuesday 14 January). "Council is pleased to have helped Strand Arts Centre secure the funding needed to preserve this treasured asset for future generations and to deliver this project which will boost both our arts sector and the local community, though outreach programmes and job and training opportunities.
"Finding sustainable uses for our city's built heritage is so important, and other council-led projects, including the nearby Templemore Baths, show what's possible with vision and commitment. I look forward to catching a movie in the new look Strand when it reopens next year.”
UK Government Minister for Local Growth, Alex Norris, said: "It is fantastic to see work is kickstarting on the Strand Arts Centre refurbishment that will provide a new purpose and access to the arts for the community, while keeping the iconic Art Deco character of this historic picture house.
"I look forward to hearing how the project comes along and continuing to work closely with communities across Northern Ireland in our shared mission to boost growth.”
Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: "Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations and this treasured 90 year-old Art Deco building is integral to east Belfast's social history.
"We're grateful to National Lottery players who are contributing to its revitalisation as an accessible and sustainable venue – a place to gather, be entertained, learn about our local cinema heritage and connect with the Strand stories.”
Mimi Turtle, Chief Executive of Strand Arts Centre, said: "The Strand has always been a treasure for east Belfast—a symbol of community, creativity and shared memories, spanning 89 years. This refurbishment ensures that its legacy endures, blending rich heritage with a bright future that celebrates the arts for generations to come."
Funding for the project has been secured from the UK Government, Belfast City Council, and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside significant contributions from corporate and public sponsorships.
Upon completion in summer 2026, the revamped Strand will boast state-of-the-art cinema facilities, a licensed café, dedicated creative learning studios, and new performance spaces within the existing balcony screen and front stall areas. A captivating interactive exhibition will also be included, offering visitors a glimpse into the cinema's past and its place within Belfast's rich cinematic history.
The restoration will prioritize the preservation of original architectural features, including the iconic façade, entrance, and foyer. Improvements to accessibility will ensure the venue is inclusive for all audiences, while providing flexible spaces for community and charity use.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, said: "It is so positive to kick off 2025 with work to restore one of Belfast's most striking and beloved buildings, coinciding with Heritage Treasures Day today (Tuesday 14 January). "Council is pleased to have helped Strand Arts Centre secure the funding needed to preserve this treasured asset for future generations and to deliver this project which will boost both our arts sector and the local community, though outreach programmes and job and training opportunities.
"Finding sustainable uses for our city's built heritage is so important, and other council-led projects, including the nearby Templemore Baths, show what's possible with vision and commitment. I look forward to catching a movie in the new look Strand when it reopens next year.”
UK Government Minister for Local Growth, Alex Norris, said: "It is fantastic to see work is kickstarting on the Strand Arts Centre refurbishment that will provide a new purpose and access to the arts for the community, while keeping the iconic Art Deco character of this historic picture house.
"I look forward to hearing how the project comes along and continuing to work closely with communities across Northern Ireland in our shared mission to boost growth.”
Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: "Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations and this treasured 90 year-old Art Deco building is integral to east Belfast's social history.
"We're grateful to National Lottery players who are contributing to its revitalisation as an accessible and sustainable venue – a place to gather, be entertained, learn about our local cinema heritage and connect with the Strand stories.”
Mimi Turtle, Chief Executive of Strand Arts Centre, said: "The Strand has always been a treasure for east Belfast—a symbol of community, creativity and shared memories, spanning 89 years. This refurbishment ensures that its legacy endures, blending rich heritage with a bright future that celebrates the arts for generations to come."
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