Cinema ready for fresh lease of life

The Town Council says it wants to make the cinema more of a community venue during the day, while retaining its primary function as a cinema.

It attracts audiences of up to 55,000 a year and is an important arts and music venue. Great Rock, the iconic symbol of Blackshaw Parish Council is also to be transferred from Calderdale Council’s ownership. The parish council wants to develop the site as an iconic public space, which is already a popular picnic spot and viewpoint. Cabinet also agreed to transfer two packages of land; at Sandy Gate, Hebden Bridge, and at Redacre, Mytholmroyd, for use as allotments.

Sandy Gate will be transferred to the ownership of Hebden Royd Town Council, while land at Redacre, Mytholmroyd, will be transferred to the Redacre Growing Project. The transfers are all subject to required legal agreements.

Calderdale Council’s leader, Coun Janet Battye, said: “This started with the Town Hall in Hebden Bridge where we can see what a good job the local community is doing in looking after and developing an important local amenity.”

“For me, it’s a dream come true that the Picture House is coming back to the local community.”

Jason Boom, Clerk to Hebden Royd Town Council, said he was delighted that Cabinet had decided to transfer ownership of the Picture House. He said: “This is great news for the people of Hebden Royd and the Upper Calder Valley. It will give local people a real say in the way their Picture House is run. We can look forward to more investment, resulting in better presentation of films and better facilities within the Picture House. The Picture House has an exciting long-term future as one of the jewels in Hebden Bridge’s crown.”