Work is progressing wellfor new cinema complex

Kino Digital, Fletcher in Rye Community Interest Company and Fletcher Centre Properties have been working together to fund and create the new state-of-the-art Cinema which is due to open its doors in November.

And the Fletcher Group has said the cinema will create ten new jobs in the town.

Kino Rye will be programmed in a similar way to Kino Hawkhurst and a second screen will allow even more variety and flexibility.

The main screen will be equipped with 3D technology and both screens will have leading- edge sound systems and satellite technology for live broadcast of opera, ballet, theatre and music.

Hugh Kermode, from Fletcher Group, said: “The stylish cafe-bar with mezzanine and outside terrace will be a comfortable, sociable place to meet friends for coffee, a bite to eat, or a glass of wine, whether coming to the cinema or not.

“Kino Rye will be accessible for people with limited mobility and there will be an induction loop for those hard of hearing.

“Funding for this £1.4 million project has come from a variety of individuals and local businesses. Special mention must go to East Sussex County Council’s Rural Regeneration Fund and The Charlie Parsons Foundation. Mr Parsons said ‘how pleased we are that The Charlie Parson’s Foundation is making a contribution to the cultural life of this gem of a town’.

“The project, which is being built within and around the old Rye Library, has had a long but successful journey through planning.

“The buildings are Grade II listed and a lot of work has gone into a sympathetic development, combining modern, digital technology within the context of the historic Citadel of Rye.

“The realisation of this much-anticipated project is in the hands of local firm Jonathan Dunn Architects and Britain’s oldest building company Durtnell and Sons - who have been building in the South-East for over 400 years.

“As well as being a valuable addition to the cultural, entertainment and tourist life of Rye, Kino will support the town’s other businesses by bringing increased footfall throughout the year. It will create an additional 10 full-time-equivalent jobs.

The independent Kino cinema at Hawkhurst has been a great success in recent years attracting an audience from as far away as Hastings.

Rye Mayor Cllr Shaun Rogers praised the new cinema complex at the recent Rye Annual Meeting. He said: “The cinema will bring with it jobs and increased retail opportunities for the town.”

Rye successfully saw off a bid from former Lion Street Adult Education Centre owners Sussex Coast College to build new flats on the site.

Part of the site is now also owned by St Mary’s Church.