Scala Cinema Prestatyn
21st Century cinema and arts centre in 1913 picture palace
Client: Denbighshire County Council
Location: Prestatyn, North Wales
Status: Complete
The Scala Cinema & Arts Centre will help revitalise the town centre in Prestatyn and will provide access once again to film on a site with strong local memories of cinemagoing. It also provides access to new social and training facilities, exhibition spaces within the foyers, meeting and training rooms and a flexible multi-use auditorium suited not only to cinema exhibition but performing arts, dance, exercise classes, fairs and markets.
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The integrity of the High Street frontage, which contributes to the character of the conservation area, has been reinstated through restoration, and further adapted to suit the building’s new use. The ornate red brickwork arches, damaged by a 1960s panelled façade installation, were reinstated. A new glass canopy forms a contemporary counterpoint to the Victorian façade.
There is a high level of intervisibility through a large glazed screen between the street and the entrance foyer which is designed to be welcoming and accessible to all building users. There is a dedicated 150-seat cinema and a 150-seat multi-use auditorium, both equipped with digital projectors.
The interior uses bold colours which reflect the different characters of the various spaces. The colour palette is used consistently throughout to aid legibility in this busy building. All facilities within the building are accessible to all users.
“The community has been involved every step of the process. The Scala is everything a multiplex is not... with its arts, education facilities it’s a centre for the community.”
— Councillor Rhiannon Hughes
Awards
2011 Wales Action for Market Town Awards: Social and Community Category Award
2011 Daily Post Achievement Wales Awards: Shortlisted - Magnox Community Award
2010 RICS Awards Wales: Community Benefit Award
2010 Civic Trust Awards: National Panel Recognition
2009 Claw Building of the Year Award: Commendation