Highland Cinema

This project was about the regeneration of a Highland town centre with a dynamic new addition, providing all-year-round social and arts activities. Located on Cameron Square at the heart of Fort William’s High Street, Highland Cinema replaced a dilapidated 1980s development on the former site of the town hall.

Various studies and proposals had been made for the existing building since its closure, but none of these could satisfactorily resolve the economic, spatial and aesthetic issues. Our client had a vision to improve the social life and built environment of the town through a new development.

Over two years, the designs were developed, the existing building was demolished and replaced with a bespoke cinema building and café-bar. Dualchas were proud to be the design lead on an important, bespoke regeneration project for this Highland town. We have created a vibrant new social and cultural hub for the area, and the benefits will be felt for many generations.

The design created a new public ‘hall’ facing the square, which serves as a social focal point for the area, acting as a café, bar, meeting and performance space. This was inspired by both proportion and atmosphere of the traditional village halls of the area, and the communal purpose they serve. The stone was reclaimed from a redundant local stone fank and features a distinctive red roof, driven by the client, that has become a symbol for the development