Help restore the glory of the Phoenix

By John Lawrence

A £1 million project has been launched to restore the Phoenix to its art deco glory in time for its centenary celebrations and to make the cinema fit for another century of serving film-lovers.

The Grade II-listed cinema’s ageing 1910 auditorium will be completely renovated and the exterior façade upgraded to give the building a smart new face. Interior and exterior art deco features installed in the 1930s will be extensively refurbished.

A new café and terrace bar with large glass windows overlooking the High Road will be one of the most striking features of the project, and one designed to keep cinema-goers coming to East Finchley from across north London.

Centenary target
The total cost of the project is £1,050,000 and the Phoenix is asking local people to support its fundraising campaign so that the restoration work can be carried out in time for the cinema’s centenary celebrations in 2010.

A successful application to the Heritage Lottery Fund has raised 56% of the money and the Phoenix has been able to raise another large slice through donations from organisations and individuals. This leaves £280,000 to find.
Chief Executive Paul Homer said: “The project will enhance the facilities available and make certain we are able to continue delivering thoughtful film programming on behalf of the people of north London. We urgently call on the generosity of our customers and supporters to help preserve this jewel in East Finchley’s cultural crown.”
The Phoenix is the oldest purpose-built cinema in constant operation in the country and is owned and run by a charitable trust. Among its patrons are film directors Ken Loach and Mike Leigh, actors Maureen Lipman, Michael Palin and Bill Paterson, and comedienne and writer Victoria Wood.

Film director backs plan
Ken Loach said: “The Phoenix is a special cinema with a special atmosphere. People’s enjoyment of films is enhanced by the building itself. It is excellent news that it may be restored but it will only happen if the money is raised. Those of us who live near the Phoenix are very lucky; let’s hope everyone can support this project.”
Donations can be made online at www.phoenixcinema.co.uk/support/campaigns, by post to Phoenix Cinema, 52 High Road, London N2 9PJ, or by contacting Paul Homer through the box office on 020 8444 6789 or info@phoenixcinema.co.uk.
Donations of all sizes are welcome. Gifts over £500 will be recognized on the 100 Years of the Phoenix: 1910-2010 timeline featuring the donor’s name alongside their chosen year and the title of a film released that year.
 

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