'Not another monstrosity' - Readers react to Edinburgh's recent plans for 'temple of film' in city centre

Opinion remains divided over plans to build a ‘temple of film’ in the Capital’s centre.

Edinburgh Evening News readers have given their views on whether or not the nine-storey building, which is predicted to attract more than 800,000 visitors a year once it’s completed in 2025, will be suited to the city.

While there have been a few positive comments on the project, many have been quick to criticise the plans.

Reader Phil Allwright said the film complex could be a real “cultural boom” for the city.

The new-look Filmhouse is hoped to be open to the public in 2025.

He said: “This could be a marvellous centrepiece for the film festival and centre for independent cinema in the city, and real cultural boom.

"At a time when the future of cinema is under threat the plans for new venues is good news.

“Of course as long as the design is sensitive to its surroundings.”

Daithí McNabb agreed the plans were suited to Edinburgh’s Festival Square.

He said: “Festival square is by far the most appropriate gap site in Edinburgh.

"I think it’s a perfect location as it is currently the most depressing and under used public space I’ve ever seen in a city centre. It’s in need of life.”

Yet many have taken to criticise the new project, which will have five underground cinema screens, a studio theatre, stage exhibitions and live performances, saying there is no need for more cinema’s in the city, and the design does not compliment Edinburgh’s stunning architecture.

Eileen Murray said: “Edinburgh does not need another monstrosity.”

Keith Devlin agreed saying the picture of the temple “looks absolutely hideous and so out of character with the surrounding buildings.”

Reader Darren Pike said: “At a time when cinema's are closed and under-used as it is, why consider developing another one?

"As many people have pointed out here there are several cinemas already within a mile radius of there. A positive idea would be to build something new, something that brings more people in (not just redistributes the same people across more venues) or offers something that we don’t have already.

"It seems flawed thinking to just build more of what we already have.”

Several commenters said there is a need for large indoor music venues rather than more cinemas.

Jane Wilson said: “Empty cinemas around Edinburgh are needing to be used. We need a concert venue no another bloody cinema.”

Pawel Stan Ferguson said: “It looks awful. Also, we have three independent cinemas on the edge of bankruptcy, and no big indoor music venue – this is what we need in this town- a new arena like Hydro in Glasgow and support for existing cinemas, not another monstrosity in city centre.

"I’m surprised they didn’t add any student accommodation to the project.”

The response comes after plans for the “temple of film” have been scaled back in height – as it emerged the cost of the project had soared by £10 million in the space of nine months.

The proposed building has been reduced in height by two storeys to bring it into line with a neighbouring office block as part of a bid to secure planning permission for the project.

Work on the project will be starting in 2023 and it is due to be completed by 2025.

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