October 8 2018

Dualchas Architects have premiered their plans for a new cinema in Fort William which will bring a two-screen venue together with an accompanying café and bar to the heart of the Highland town.

Earmarked for a disused retail unit on Cameron Square the new build vision is the brainchild of local entrepreneur Angus MacDonald, who is largely self-funding the venture to broaden the town’s entertainment offer.

Finished in stone and metal the chosen solution aims to blend with the current square, once site of the town hall before it was destroyed by fire in 1975 and later replaced by a 1980s retail unit - which will itself be demolished. Highland Council have since opened an £8m headquarters within a B-listed former school on Achintore Road.

Project architect Rory Flyn commented: “When Angus approached Dualchas he wanted a building designed that was distinctly Highland, and he was inspired by images of Highland village halls and classically proportioned houses. He was also keen that the materials were stone and metal – something which referenced the architecture of the place.

“We have taken his ideas and tried to create a building that breaks down a rather large brief into four distinct forms which are in proportion and respectful to the surrounding historic buildings. We hope the design will reinstate Cameron Square as the focal point of Fort William, as well as providing a wonderful facility.”

An opening date of summer 2020 has been set for the cinema.

4 Comments

#1 Posted by boaby wan on 8 Oct 2018 at 12:39 PM

fort william needs something, just not sure it's this.
The project architect sounds like they are talking about an entirely different proposal?
"distinctly highland"?

#2 Posted by Nairn's Bairn on 8 Oct 2018 at 12:47 PM

To translate Dualchas’s comments: “We really didn’t like the client’s ideas but we did the best we could. Don’t blame us for this. Sometimes you just have to think of the money”

Don’t worry Rory, your comments are now noted for posterity, you have your get-out clause. Having said that, if the intention was to reference the architecture of Cameron Square, and the client wanted classically-proportioned stone, how did we end up with a brick-faced tyre depot?

As they indicate themselves, it’s not one of Dualchas’ best.

#3 Posted by A Local Pleb on 8 Oct 2018 at 12:59 PM

Looks like a good addition to the town.

#4 Posted by Doug on 10 Oct 2018 at 11:10 AM

Will be nice to have a decent social meeting space like this in Fort William, the town centre is quite grim at the moment. Good to see someone who is willing to invest in the town rather than just complain. Designs looks interesting to look forward to seeing more

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