The team behind a multi-million pound project to bring a cinema to Montrose are hoping to receive a major funding boost by winning a competition run by a builders’ merchant.
Montrose Playhouse Project has been shortlisted for Jewson’s Helping Build Better Communities competition which has a top prize of £50,000.
The Angus team’s bid to create a cinema at the site of the former swimming pool in Montrose has been selected from more than 2,000 other projects to reach this stage of the competition.
At this stage the public can vote for the most deserving project, so the cinema team are urging people to cast their vote for the Angus project.
A spokesman for the group said: “The voting period is now open and people can vote through Facebook until June 18.
“The £50,000 prize, which is split between Jewson’s materials and labour, would go toward phase one of the conversion.”
The cinema project have a deal to purchase the former swimming pool at the Mall from Angus Council for £1 after the council deemed it surplus to requirements.
Meanwhile, the team has been delighted at the response of local tradesmen since issuing an appeal in March for help stripping out the building.
The spokesman added: “Winning this prize would prove well timed for the charity as we plan to carry out a DIY SOS style strip out later in the year after the completion of the purchase from Angus Council.
“Over 50 local tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts have already signed up to volunteer their help for the task.”
Monthly movie screenings are being held at Montrose Academy’s assembly hall to give people in the area a taste of a cinema experience on their doorstep and to raise funds for the project.
The next event, on Sunday June 4, will have Boss Baby at 1pm, Whisky Galore at 4pm and Guardians of the Galaxy 2 at 7pm.
Votes for the competition can be cast at https://www.buildingbettercommunities.co.uk/regional_entry/montrose-playhouse-project-scio-diy-sos/
Judging will start on June 19, with half of the overall score coming from the judges and half from the public vote. An awards ceremony is scheduled for July 5.
A total of £250,000 is available, with £50,000 the most one project can win.
