Flat ending for historic cinema

Jan 16 2009 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Flat ending for historic cinema

A RUN-down cinema in Blairgowrie could be demolished to make way for housing if redevelopment plans are approved.

Perthshire Housing Association has applied to Perth and Kinross Council’s planning department for permission to level the decaying Quinn’s Picture House building, on Reform Street.

Plans, drawn up by Broughty Ferry-firm KDM Architects, show that the site has been earmarked for 20 flats.

Brian Thomson, PHA’s principal development officer, said: “The former Quinn’s Cinema occupies a prominent site in Blairgowrie town centre, and it has become an eyesore in recent years.

“We are pleased to submit our planning application for a development that would enhance the town centre, and provide much needed affordable housing,” he said.

If the application is approved, an extra level is to be added to the front of the building, with the rear of the development also modified to comprise of four storeys.

Parking is to be provided within a courtyard, and would be accessed from Reform Street.

The original two-storey structure was opened by the Quinn family after their previous cinema – The Electric Picture House, also situated on Reform Street – was closed in 1925.

It ran several performances, six days a week, until its doors shut for the final time in 1983.

The last film to be shown was director John Huston’s Annie.

The two Quinn family ventures were not the first time films were made available to the Blairgowrie public.

In 1910 the Blairgowrie and Rattray Temperance Association screened the silent film, Feather’s Famous Cinematography, in front of a captive audience in the town hall.

A decision on the development is expected shortly.