The team behind a £2 million Montrose cinema project have sent out a DIY SOS to local tradesmen.
Montrose Playhouse Project bought the town’s former swimming pool for £1 from Angus Council when it became surplus to requirements.
The team has now asked all local tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts to show their support for the cinema and art centre project by signing up to a DIY SOS-style strip-out of the former pool.
The strip-out has no decided date as yet until a full list of volunteers is compiled but it will take place over a few days.
Chairman David Paton said volunteers will get the chance to be part of the project’s history by stripping it back to its shell ready for the conversion into a three-screen cinema and art centre.
The event will also be filmed by local filmmaker Spectrum Films and a promotional video created to show potential funders and investors the community involvement and excitement for the venture.
The team are also about to launch several different fundraising initiatives to raise the £2 million needed for the works which will be coupled with grant funding and investment.
Plans include debenture schemes, crowdfunding, buy a seat schemes and The Playhouse Boulevard brick project.
Mr Paton said these will cater to all areas within the community from small amounts of money to larger pots so everyone can contribute to what will become the cultural heart of the town, which is already famous for its art, culture and history.
He said: “The project is really hotting up now and these events will help spread the word that we are doing great things and the possibility of getting this facility open is no longer just a dream.
“With the right support and effort it can be a reality to have our own full time digital 3D cinema in the town to cater to North Angus and lower Aberdeenshire.”
Volunteers can sign up for more information at www.montroseplayhouse.co.uk/diy-sos/.
Montrose Playhouse Project purchased the pool after Angus Council’s head of property services Ian Cochrane said the cost of demolishing the property outweighed the value of the cleared site.
The group has also teamed up with Indy Cinemas and are doing monthly fundraising screenings at Montrose Academy to raise the project profile and gauge a basic demographic audience for market research.
Next up they have Lego Batman, Beauty and The Beast and also Logan showing at Montrose Academy on Sunday April 2 at 1pm, 4pm and 7pm respectively.
Tickets can be bought at www.indycinemagroup.com/tours/montrose/