The popular Riverside Cinema in Woodbridge will reopen later this year after a successful groupfunding crusade helped them overall get more than £30,000 in donations.
The cinema ran into trouble after a fuel leak was discovered and its boiler broke the winter closure, causing damage to the auditorium, which will charge thousands of pounds to repair it.
While the bar adjacent to the cinema, A Listers, reopened completely, Riverside itself was only able to reopen for 11 days once restrictions were allowed, before the final return due to the problems.
To reopen, the cinema asked for the opinion of its followers; the creation of a crowdfunding site where they hoped to raise £50,000.
In the end, the crowdfunder grossed a little less than expected, making £32,500.
However, the cinema revealed that he was going ahead with maintenance and had studied other types of heating.
The scaffolding is already placed in the cinema with the installation of a new loudspeaker system, purchased before the pandemic.
A Listers will also build a bar in the lobby of the cinema that will be used for the intermissions of theatrical performances.
Riverside owner Stuart Saunders said he was incredibly grateful for all the assistance and help the cinema had gained in the difficult 18 months.
“I can’t thank them enough,” Saunders said.
“A big thank you to everyone.
“It’s so beautiful that other people appreciate what we do there. It’s not just a business. “
Saunders said he hoped that when the movie theater reopened, there would be fewer restrictions so more people could enjoy the space.
“It would be great to open with fewer restrictions,” Saunders said.
“I think it’s bigger than before. “
Saunders said he hoped the place would be reoccupied, as was the case with A Listers.
“I dare think of the crowd when either is open,” Saunders said.
The cinema was expected to offer a new show in August, and the stage was also expected to reopen before riverside’s full reopening in September.