Community cinema to continue for another 18 months

The Ashford Cinema in Elwick Place will remain open for another 18 months, the borough council says

A community cinema in Kent will run for at least another 18 months after taking over from the former operator a year ago.

The Ashford Cinema in Elwick Place, previously run by Picturehouse, opened on April 24, 2024 in a bid to keep the site alive.

Ashford Borough Council says it has now agreed to extend the current contract while it looks for a permanent solution for the site.

Ben Hammond, the cinema's manager, said he had been "truly touched" by the support of the community.

He said: "We're proud of the service and welcoming atmosphere our fantastic team continues to deliver every day.

"We believe that cinema should be accessible to all, whether you're watching a film, meeting friends for dinner and drinks or using our workspaces.

"No matter the reason for your visit, you'll be met with a warm welcome and many more reasons to stay."

The council took over the site after Picturehouse said it would be leaving the cinema in early 2024.

A spokesperson for the council said the cinema, run by The Big Picture, had been opened up as an events space and had become busier as a result.

Arrangements for the cinema had initially been agreed to last a year but would be extended to help "develop and market the cinema to any prospective new operator".