The Cygnet Cinema may soon have to close its doors. One of the few remaining Art Deco cinemas in Australia, the Cygnet uses 35 mm film. In short months distribution of this medium will cease as the digital world takes over. The Mayor of South Perth, Sue Doherty, has met with the manager, Graham Kahn to discuss the future of this beautifully designed heritage building. In this picture are strips of celluloid film and the old projectors, still working.
Western Australia has preserved more Art Deco cinemas than has any other State. The Art Deco Society, with fierce spirit, has helped keep such gems as the Astor, Windsor, Piccadilly and the Regal. Our WA National Trust Art Deco committee has supported this work. Lynn MacLaren, our South Metro Upper House member from The Greens has been promoting strongly the preservation of our heritage buildings and ways of funding this.
The Stiles family, owners of the building, have presented some exciting ideas for keeping the business going. These include keeping the facade, foyer and main hall while developing mini digital cinemas and a restaurant. See my blog of 2010 for details. Here’s an artistic impression of what might be possible.
For the past few years I’ve been working with Preston Street business owners to bring the street to life. We have some brilliant little restaurants, with views to the river at sunset. The tavern is fresh and lively, just the spot for a chat and dinner. We have a really good butchery and imaginative shops. The City has been involved as part of developing a city-wide Economic Development strategy, a key topic of mine in this blog and at Council over many years.
Quite a lot of locals like Lynn MacLaren's idea of working with the owners, the Art Deco Society, the Council and the State to develop a Friends of the Cygnet group. A key aim would be to help fund the change from 35 mm film to digital technology. Perhaps we can put forward a modest membership fee in advance and in return receive admission to shows and events. Restaurant owners like the idea of a “movie and dinner” deal to liven the street at night.
I’d be really very happy to feel that we had all been part of saving the Cygnet. That achievement would be a little more of the ‘glue’ that holds us together. What do you think? Click on Comments below.
Please forward this to as many people as possible. Together we can make it happen.
