The Belmont Cinema has a new BFF
We are delighted to announce that BFF has been appointed to lead the design team for the refurbishment and reopening of Aberdeen’s Category C listed Belmont Cinema.
The Belmont is Aberdeen’s last independent cinema and has been a much-loved part of the city’s cultural life for more than 130 years. In October 2022, the ‘Save the Belmont Cinema’ campaign was formed by a passionate group of local people in response to the sudden closure of the Belmont Cinema in the city centre.
Since then, the campaign steering group established the charitable organisation Belmont Community Cinema Ltd and was appointed ‘preferred operator’ for the venue by Aberdeen City Council in 2023.
The project will restore and revitalise the historic cinema, creating an improved and sustainable venue for film, education, community and cultural activity, while respecting the character and significance of the existing listed building.
Sketch ideas of potential options for the entrance
Emma Halford Forbes, Heritage Project Manager at The Belmont said:
“We were inspired by the presentation from BFF during the architect recruitment process. There was a true vision for how we could work together on the project and the enthusiasm, experience and passion was crystal clear. They understand what The Belmont Cinema means to people in Aberdeen, and how we can create a long-lasting space that not only breathes new life into the cinema but takes into consideration the deep cultural heritage of the building.”
Commenting on BFF’s appointment, Faye Davies, Managing Director added:
“We are delighted to have been appointed as architects for the refurbishment and reopening of the historic Belmont Cinema. As Aberdeen’s last remaining independent cinema, the Belmont has an important place in the city’s cultural life. This is a fantastic opportunity not only to bring the building back into use, but also to celebrate Aberdeen’s wider cinematic heritage.
“At BFF, we have extensive experience of restoring and renewing independent cinemas across the UK, including the award-winning Campbeltown Picture House. We understand that cinemas such as these are about much more than watching films; they are important social and cultural spaces at the heart of their communities.
“We are really looking forward to working alongside a wider group of experts, together with the Belmont team and the local community, to create a welcoming, accessible and sustainable cinema with a strong future.”
Earlier this year, the cinema announced an initial grant of £87,438 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support work that could release a further £1,412,562 upon the successful completion of the development phase.
Julie Wood, Aberdeen City Council’s Chief Officer for City Development and Regeneration, said:
“Aberdeen City Council is delighted to see the Belmont taking another step towards reopening with the appointment of Burrell Foley Fischer. We will continue to support the Belmont in their plans to bring independent cinema back to our communities and breathe new life into this city centre building.”
BFF is leading the design team, working with structural engineers Narro Associates, services engineers Irons Foulner and quantity surveyors Morham & Brotchie. Together, the team brings extensive experience of restoring and reimagining historic cinemas and cultural buildings. Having worked together on similar projects, the team combines a shared understanding of listed buildings with the specialist expertise needed to sensitively refurbish The Belmont and create a sustainable future for this much-loved Aberdeen cinema.
The project represents an exciting opportunity to bring The Belmont back to life as a welcoming, accessible and sustainable independent cinema, while celebrating its heritage and its enduring place in Aberdeen’s cultural life.