Historic Dumfries Cinema Site Faces Security Concerns
The Dumfries cinema site, which dates back to the 1930s, is the focus of ongoing efforts to reopen it to the public. Tristan Campbell, the individual leading the plans to revive the south of Scotland cinema, has issued a warning regarding recent break-ins at the building. He emphasized that unauthorized entry could further delay the reopening project.
Campbell also called on the community to report any suspicious activity around the former Regal cinema site located on Shakespeare Street in Dumfries to the police. He revealed that a break-in had occurred within the last two weeks, and such incidents risk causing damage that could hinder progress.
The cinema, which ceased operations in 2018, is not abandoned, according to Campbell, who confirmed that restoration work is actively underway to bring the venue back into use.
Community Engagement and Project Delays
Plans to reopen the building first emerged over a year ago but have experienced multiple postponements. Campbell cautioned that any unauthorized access to the premises might push back the reopening timeline even further.
"I know everyone is really keen to see inside, but I would appeal for everyone to keep out of the building until it is ready to be opened to the public," he said.
"The landlord is working hard to make the building ready for use again.
But every time a break-in happens, it only delays the process, as it causes additional damage to the property or takes resources away from the work required to get the cinema opened."
Despite these setbacks, Campbell remains optimistic about the cinema’s future.
"The Regal Cinema in Dumfries is a real project of love for me, I can't wait to get it back in action for everyone to enjoy, and we really aren't very far away from making that happen," he stated.
He explained that the project is currently facing an unexpected delay due to snagging issues related to earlier ceiling replacement work, which inadvertently damaged the emergency lighting circuits in the auditorium.
"Currently we are experiencing an unexpected delay due to snagging issues on work carried out earlier in the year, when the ceiling replacement works damaged the emergency lighting circuits in the auditorium.
Once this issue is resolved we will be working at pace to get opened for business."
Campbell urged the public to assist in expediting the process by reporting any suspicious behaviour around the building promptly.
He also noted that CCTV footage from the recent break-in is under review and highlighted the significance of the reopening as a substantial commercial investment for the town of Dumfries.
Buzz Bingo, the site owners, confirmed that the building’s security company has repaired the damaged entrance door and screens and has conducted a thorough check of the security system.
