Cinema at Kinnaird Park

bathst2 · Post by **bathst2** » 14 Mar 2008, 01:14

Just found out that the cinema at Kinnaird has closed!
Tatty tho it may have become and no longer well-served by buses from Porty, I am somewhat alarmed at the news!
It was a least reasonnably local for us and older kids to get to-I am also aware it became something of a specialist (unique in mainstream edinburgh cinemas?) in hindi/punjabi/asian language films that always seemed well attended when i was there.
Apparently-the web site says-it will become more bars/restaurants and shops-groan!
I think it is owned by British Land but cant find a website for them
Should there be a local campaign to re-instate a cinema in the east of the city????? Is this rather like one of the issues surrounding Saving Meadowbank-the small number of facilities this side of the sity centre compared to the west side???
Can we have something better......what do you think....do you know loads more about this than I do-cos I just found out!

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 14 Mar 2008, 09:07

Can't recall when I first heard about the closure but it has been on the cards for a long time. I guess it's a purely commercial decision. Perhaps we had an over-provision of cinema screens across the city? Must admit, I prefer Vue Omni in Greenside Place, which is just a 26 away, Vue Ocean Terminal, Filmhouse and Cameo.

Maria · Post by **Maria** » 14 Mar 2008, 10:04

Odeon cinema announced the closure last year (July?). The ten pin bowling is also going along with a couple of restaurants in the same block.

My first reaction was disappointment, but like Bob I hadn't been to the Fort Kinnaird UCI for years, usually choosing Ocean Terminal or Greenside instead.

Think this will be more of a loss for folk in East Lothian.

Post by **wangi** » 14 Mar 2008, 10:18

Personally I think the plan to replace the cinema with better restaurants etc is probably a good thing...

So is East Lothian really just stuck with the odd film in the Brunton and the enthusiasts now and again at the Sealife in North Berwick?

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 14 Mar 2008, 13:19

Not used the UCI in years. My preferences are similar to Bob's.

The closure is hardly surprising given that Fort Kinnaird is the most expensive out of town retail centre in the UK in which to rent property. The opportunity cost of the space dedicated to a Cinema/bowling Alley is just too high.

Franck · Post by **Franck** » 17 Mar 2008, 14:58

I've heard that the cinema & bowling alley are going to be a Primark

Post by **wangi** » 17 Mar 2008, 16:01

Franck wrote:I've heard that the cinema & bowling alley are going to be a Primark

I think perhaps there's more than that... You can see the planning application under the reference 08/00785/FUL. In particular see BackGround Papers-660842.pdf. Many new units.