Lincoln's Wetherspoons pub The Ritz to re-open as cinema after 15 years
The Ritz cinema is set to re-open for the first time in 15 years.
The cinema, in Lincoln’s High Street, originally opened in 1937 and was a hub for entertainment in the city.
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The Ritz pub in Lincoln's High Street
But it closed down in 1996 and was opened as a Wetherspoons pub two years later, occupying the foyer and stalls area.
Now, Lincoln-based voluntary organisation Off The Bench has announced it will breathe new life into the cinema and bring back a beloved historical treasure.
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It is hoped the cinema, which is currently derelict and adjoining on to the Wetherspoons pub, will be open to the public by the end of the year.
As well as showing classic films, the cinema will show the latest Hollywood blockbusters. It will also show foreign films and have special themed nights for the biggest movie franchises such as Twilight and Rocky Horror.
Tickets will be priced at £4.50 per person and £3.50 for concessions. Although themed nights and other special occasions may be more expensive.
Pete Genders, chief executive officer for Off the Bench, said: “We had been looking at ways to tackle the levels of crime and antisocial behaviour and to bring the migrant community and the local community together and break down the social barriers between these two groups.
“We started the discussion about a community venue for Park ward and we all fondly remembered The Ritz as a cinema and recounted how many hours of our childhoods were spent in the cinema itself.
“We then discovered that although JD Wetherspoons had opened a public house down stairs, the upper floors remained empty and in various levels of decay. An idea to bring the cinema back to life was formed.”
See Thursday's Echo for a more in-depth report, analysis and opinions on the cinema plans.
Comments
by jimmytearaway
Thursday, April 12 2012, 5:18PM
“Does anyone have the contact details to get in contact with the regarding booking the venue for private screenings and events?”
by MetalBob
Sunday, January 08 2012, 11:36PM
“Great news, about time the Odeon got some competition, for too long now it has extracted the urine out of people in Lincoln with their highly inflated prices second only to Leicester Square London! 4.50 is a reasonable affordable price,they should do well....Now if we can only persuade The Engine Shed to book a wider more frequent variety of bands......”
by vpire
Saturday, January 07 2012, 7:22PM
“Hopefully, the seats will be improved than when I was a kid ;) For that price, I'll treat myself and take the risk. Looks like the Odeon has a fight on it's hands.”
by S_Morrissey
Saturday, January 07 2012, 11:53AM
“Brilliant idea! I used to love the late Friday Night horror movies. And you could take drinks in! We need a proper, grown-up cinema rather than the glorified sweet shop that is The Odeon...”
by darlingp
Saturday, January 07 2012, 11:18AM
“Hear! Hear! Fantastic! Some one has a clear vision at re-instating at what is a bit of history. I well remember going on Saturday Morning as a kid and seeing the "Battle of Britain when it came out in 1969. Good luck and wishes to all involved with the project”
by Nodroggy
Friday, January 06 2012, 11:33PM
“Brilliant idea and when that is up and running, knock down the Waterside Centre and rebuild the Savoy and let us see some live acts! Ah well, wishful thinking maybe?”
by Chammyuk
Friday, January 06 2012, 8:49PM
“Fantastic Idea, cant wait”
by examiner2
Friday, January 06 2012, 8:19PM
“If they take the lead from Kinema in the Woods at Woodhall Spa and not try and make it a plastic and false as the Multi-Plex cinema's I would turn up. Don|t go for the pile it high and sell cheap option, quality not quantity is the way to go. In fact if they show the latest films with some classics I think the Odeon would be lose out big time.”
by Leaflet Distribution Lincolnshire
Friday, January 06 2012, 7:01PM
“What a good idea! I remember going to see superman there when i was a kid.”
by VasosMelides
Friday, January 06 2012, 6:44PM
“Fantastic! Well worth the time and effort and I hope people continually support the project once it is open! Good luck to all involved!
Also great to see that the ticket prices have not increased in the 15 years it's been shut, finally an antidote to inflation haha! (joke)”