The Square screen
3:33pm Thursday 7th September 2006 in News By Saiqa Chaudhari
BOLTON'S first open-air cinema could be set up in Victoria Square, in the town centre.
Councillors are investigating the possibility of showing films in the square using a temporary screen and seating.
It follows a lack of interest among cinema companies to open in the town centre.
Bolton Council officers admit there are practical problems in setting up a temporary screen in the square because of the listed buildings and trees.
But the outdoor showings are described as a "very real possibility".
The idea could be tested in the spring, with family films or local films shown during the day and more mainstream films in the evening.
The £2,500 cost of the trial would come from the town centre improvement fund.
If successful, proposals will be developed for more regular outdoor cinema events.
Cinema operators have told the council they do not believe there is a viable market for a mainstream cinema in the town centre, because of the Vue multiplex at Middlebrook and Cineworld at The Valley, Astley Bridge.
Other ideas put forward at a meeting of the council's development and regeneration executive meeting include having film showings at other venues such as the Victoria Hall, the Albert Halls, Bolton Little Theatre or the Library lecture theatre.
It was suggested that the films shown in Victoria Square could target particular groups, such as older people.
Cllr Ibrahim Adia, the council's executive member for development and regeneration, said: "The trial will allow us to judge how popular the idea is.
"If it is successful it could become a regular feature.
"There are also ideas of having something more permanent in the cultural quarter which is being developed in the town.
"This will again help Bolton town centre to be a little more distinctive and bring in people from the borough and beyond."
