Whiteladies Picture House

The buildings renovation would use many environmentally friendly and low energy technologies as possible in order to reduce the impact of the building on the environment and to minimise running costs. These technologies include using heat pumps rather than traditional central heating and LED lights wherever possible - including the revolutionary led mirror lights that have been designed by GDS to mimic the colour temperature of traditional light fixtures. Recycling and reusing would also be a key part of the development - we will be looking to source reclaimed items as much as possible - partly as it links into the historical aspect of the building but also because this will lessen the impact of the refurbishment.

Our roof terrace garden would be watered using collected rain water and would contain flowers and plants that promote biodiversity.

While these changes may seem minor when added together they will create a venue that is unlike any other in the country and will act as a flagship example of how community venues can make the shift towards a sustainable future.

Once renovated the business will be open 10am till 11pm each night, with the possibility of occasional late night film screenings. The Business will be open all year round with December and Easter as the busiest times of year. During the summer when less theatre shows are performed the schedule will be filled with a greater number of dance performances and films. Special community focused film screenings will help to boost revenue during traditionally quiet times. These will include:

i. The “Golden Oldies” Programme – Providing a safe relaxed atmosphere for some of our more senior patrons to meet and socialize while watching a variety of classic films
ii. The “New Mothers Club” – Allowing mother’s with young babies to meet, socialize and watch films without worrying about disturbing other audience members.
iii. The “Cine-Crèche” – Allowing Parents to do the weekly shop, browse around Whiteladies road or have a relaxing meal while their children watch a film under the supervision of our CRB checked Staff.
iv. The “Monthly Charity Club” – A Monday night screening of whichever film is playing that month, where all the profit from the tickets are given to a chosen charity.

Unlike the majority of theatre’s that only open their bars during performances we believe that due to its location there is enough local interest/passing trade to warrant full time opening hours of 10am till 11pm. The Bar will serve a variety of spirits, soft drinks, wines and beers. As much as possible we aim to use locally produced beverages such as Bristol Beer Factory or Bath Ales. While the bar will not serve food it will stock a variety of snacks and sweets including crisps, flavoured popcorn and of course Ben and Jerry's ice-cream. For events that require catering the intension is to develop relationships with local restaurants and caterers. This will allow the Picture House to offer a much wider range of menu’s while helping to support other local businesses.

Live Music event’s will also be a feature of the yearly programme. Events such as these will increase the potential door sales as well as having increased bar takings compared to theatre events.

We also intend to include a variety of film festivals or special screening days during the year. These could be based on a genre, actor or director and can be timed to link into other events within the yearly calendar (the most obvious example of this would be a horror film festival at Halloween).

The function room will also be used for other community based events such as meetings, rehearsal space, dance classes and as an art gallery.

We want to create a venue that has something for everyone and that encourages different sections of society to interact and develop connections that may not normally exist.