Auburn Phoenix Cinema, community-owned by Dame Judi Dench, to be sold

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A community cinema once backed by actress Dame Judi Dench has been put up for sale after closing in May.

The Phoenix Cinema in Oban, Argyll and Bute, has announced it will close in May, citing a “significant drop in footfall and rising costs”.

Built in the 1950s, the cinema closed in 2010 but reopened a few years later after raising funds as a community business and local charity.

The building, which has two screening rooms and is currently on sale for more than £275,000, is the town’s only cinema.

The Oban Phoenix Cinema has closed permanently, just 12 years after it raised a huge sum of money to reopen as an independent community cinema. supply

James Bond actress Dame Judi backed a fundraising campaign in 2011 to save the venue, which has 148 seats for one screen and 22 for another.

Selling agent DM Hall said cinema equipment worth £24,000 was also on offer.

A spokesperson for the Auburn Phoenix Cinemas said in June: “It is with great regret that we announce the closure of the Auburn Phoenix Cinemas.

“We have worked hard to maintain our cinemas for the benefit of the community, however over the past few years we have struggled with a significant drop in footfall and rising costs.

“Unfortunately, attendances have dropped further over the past few months and it is with great sadness that we have had to close the cinema as it has gone bankrupt.

“We would like to thank our current dedicated staff and all the communities that have supported us since 2012.”