"The last few months have hit us hard": Sheffield cinema issues important coronavirus update as it remains closed
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Speaking in an email to members, Ian Wild, CEO of Showroom, said that the cinema would have to stay closed to ensure the safety of visitors and staff.
Mr Wild said this is because the old ‘1930s art deco’ building was not originally designed to be a cinema so they ‘do not have the luxury of large screening rooms or wide aisles.
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Hide AdHe added: “We’ve been working hard devising seating plans, queuing systems and additional staffing rotas to increase cleaning routines.
“However, until we are sure we can operate safely, not only within the Government guidelines, but also to a standard that we are confident will keep everyone visiting and working in the building safely, our doors will sadly remain closed.
“We also need to make sure that when we open, we remain open.
“The costs to implement everything we want and need, are currently beyond our means.
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Hide Ad“The last few months have hit us hard, and over the next few weeks we will be taking time to review our offer and operating costs.”
Mr Wild said that the cinema was ‘penciled’ to open mid-September, and that Showroom was in discussion with film distributors to ensure they had high profile and attractive films to show when they could let people back in.
He added: “We pride ourselves on being an independent cinema, bringing you the best indie films from around the world, and we don’t want this to change.
“We can’t put into words how grateful we are of the support we’ve received. Every nice message, membership upgrade, and donation is helping us to remain positive and look forwards.
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Hide Ad“We can’t wait to see you in the autumn, and we will keep you updated until then with any news. Our regular Showroom Cinema at home update will be flying into your inbox again next week, so make sure you keep an eye out for it.”