News / Cinemas
Petition started to save ‘iconic’ cinema foyer
Cinemagoers are asking the owners of a multiplex in east Bristol to keep its “unique character”.
“When stepping into the Showcase Avonmeads cinema you feel like you’ve travelled back in time,” says a petition started in a bid to preserve the current foyer.
“The colourful carpets, garish neon, and early 90s furniture make the cinema feel unique in a world where homogeneity is all too common.”
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New seating has already been installed and carpeting removed in half of the screens at the cinema at Avonmeads Shopping Park in St Philip’s Causeway, with the rest of the screens and the foyer likely to also be refurbished.
The petition asks that Showcase “maintain and preserve the current foyer fittings (especially the neon) and that whatever work that is done in the future is keeping with the early 90s character of the building”.
“We aren’t luddites, it’s inevitable that over time things will have to be replaced or upgraded to keep the building safe and functioning, as well as to improve the showing of films, accessibility, and the experience of staff. But what we ask is that the cinema keeps its unique character.
“For many of us, Showcase Avonmeads holds a special place in our hearts. We watch films there because it’s unique character reminds us of why we fell in love with cinema.”
To sign the petition, visit www.change.org/p/preserve-the-showcase-avonmeads-foyer
Showcase Avonmeads is a slice of the 90s – photo: Martin Booth
The petition was started by the Showcase Avonmemes Twitter and Instagram account, whose identity remains a closely guarded secret, but who promises will reveal themselves if the foyer is saved and some money is raised for charity.
The account regularly adds Showcase Avonmeads into photos and news items, as well as having a long-running feud with Vue Longwell Green.
Cinemagoers across Bristol have been expressing their dismay following the news that the cinema’s foyer could be refurbished.
James Harrison tweeted: “Sad to hear that @ShowcaseCinemas want to get rid of the fantastic retro interior of their Avonmeads, #Bristol multiplex; great atmosphere whenever I walk. Do sign this film fans.”
Amy Mason tweeted: “This is really shortsighted of them! It’s so cool + genuinely a valuable example of a 90s cinema (also would be a brilliant location for filming).”
@sykurmolarnir_ added: “WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO GET RID OF THIS???!!!! IT’S ICONIC FOR BRISTOLIANS”
Bristol24/7 have contacted Showcase for comment.
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
- Now you can hire your own screen at Showcase cinemas
- 15 places in Bristol that once were cinemas
- Green victory in Hotwells & Harbourside by-election
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