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.
18 comments:
I consider it important to retain the original interior decor as well because apparently this is the only remaining single screen cinema remaining in WA. I am sure that if a "Save the Cygnet Cinema"fund was established this would easily raise the $100k required. I certainly would be prepared to donate.
Happy to join a Friends of the Cygnet. Good initiative Peter.
Sounds like a worthy cause. I would imagine with corporate sponsorship alone the costs could be half met! There's good synergies to be harnessed with local restaurants nearby. Has anyone approached Lotterywest? Rick
I am happy to donate money if that will help. I love the building. From what I have seen the low rise apts proposed for Preston street look terrific and the idea that the old buildings will be retained is a good one.
Saving the Cygnet in its current state is very importmant on so many levels. Like many other people I have already contacted the cinema to make a donation however at this stage they are unable to accept such funds. I understand there are several groups wanting to assist but at this stage there does not appear to be one specific group. I am more than happy to be a part of a "Save the Cygnet Cinema" fund.
Would be happy to donate- its a great community venue Vanessa
I'd be happy to be part of a "Friends" group for the Cygnet - surely grants, corporate sponsorship and the community pulling-together can save this important piece of our State's and local heritage.
I agree that this is a good initiative Peter. The Cygent is an integral part of the South Perth /Como scene - both in terms of the built environment and the social environment. Happy to help and/or donate.
Nicci Whitehouse
This is such an ACHIEVABLE sum of money ,lets get on with raising it straight away . Id like to be actively involved if one of us could put a plan/s together.
Bring it on everyone !!
I agree that the Cygnet must be saved! And I shall be happy to add my name to any plan to agitate that it is kept.
I have always had the idea that, without damaging the ‘art deco’ situation – in fact enhancing it – by extending the rear of the building to allow for a full-size stage, with wings and a medium fly-tower, the Cygnet could become ‘The Playhouse Theatre’ here in South Perth. Now that The Playhouse has gone from Perth, there is nowhere for the community groups (both professional and amateur) to perform, as the Perth Theatre Trust venues, and The Regal are now too expensive for these groups to hire. With a management situation as is found in UK provincial theatres and at places like Bunbury, Geraldton and Albany – which use volunteer ushers, etc., the Cygnet might well become even more profitable than The Perth Playhouse was when it fulfilled this function. (‘More profitable’ as The Playhouse used paid staff throughout). It could still show films, too, of course, if needed.
This idea would find a great response from those theatre companies and groups which are, at present, homeless. Much detail is needed, but I really believe it would be worth fully investigating, especially as this ‘alteration’ in the Cygnet functioning would not require extensive front of house or auditorium changes.
Yours sincerely,
Tony H.
The Cygnet Cinema is an integral part of our community and must be preserved at all costs. I am happy to donate.
Suzanne Lawrence
The Cygnet represents a vanishing part of a village community and as such should be nurtured and saved. For many its location is the reason they gomto the cinema rather than battle traffic, and pay for quite expensive parking. It is very popular with retirees for this reason and it would be a pity to see this amenity lost to them. I would prefer local sponsorship dollars rather than the corporate dollar with its branding demands. Glad to see the SP Council being involved, but what about some of the local Rwal Estate agents who have made a living out of people in the area? Feel sure the Lottery Commission could also be persuaded to contribute. Thanks to those prepared to stir things upmand get things done!
I am very happy to be involved in a campaign to Save the Cygnet and to establish a Friends of The Cygnet group.
Please keep me in the loop on developments.
I would love to know whats happening with the "Save the Cygnet Cinema" campaign if anyone can provide an update. As long term residents of South Perth and owners of a local small business we also feel very passionate about keeping this unique landmark & vital piece of our community alive.
Very happy to donate to this great cause. Must keep the Cygnet going.
the theatre really cannot but cut up into little cinemas,
this is really the only reason to sit in the auditorium and enjoy seeing a movie.
if the reason for visiting this wonderful building was to sit in little cinemas I couldn't imagine coming anymore. I would feel so sad!
I would donate, and would love to see it continue.
It could even be developed to include a stage for performances n concerts n musicals n plays as well as movies!
I would donate as I would not want this cinema changed from its original amazing design.
asatise 18Clinton said
As the cygnet is an integral part of South Perth, the Council and the Lottery Commission should come up with the FUNDS and Managed by the Council through a committee have volunteers run the Cinema and monies collected used for maintenance. Its for the future generation to value history.
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