February 21, 2012 3.10 pm This story is over 145 months old

Preview screening at Ritz cinema delayed

Postponed: Special screening to rally support for Ritz cinema project is delayed due to ongoing works at the site.

A preview screening on Wednesday at the Ritz cinema project has been delayed.

The team behind the revamp project wanted to mark the 75th anniversary of the cinema with a special screening of 1936 classic film San Francisco.

However, ongoing work at the premises meant that the evening was postponed to a later date.

Pete Genders, Chief Executive at Off The Bench, the organisation behind the restoration project, said a new date is being prepared:

“After detailed inspections and due to the current state of the building it means it is not possible for us to allow members of the public to enter the venue at the present time.

“It is expected that this will be resolved within 8 weeks as building works begin to make the building safe,” he added.

“We appreciate that many people will be disappointed by this announcement; however we are very confident that this is a minor glitch and ensures that the correct procedures and processes are in place.

“We want everyone to have the best possible experience, and the point of the event is to let people see the building in its current state, and so this is still what we wish to deliver.”

Progress is still being made on the project with a delivery of around 300 seats having been taken recently. The cinema is expected to be fully open to the public later this year.