The Uptown Cinema Centre in downtown Red Deer could soon return to theatrical life.
Central Alberta Theatre announced on Friday that it is negotiating to acquire the 4922 49th St. building, which has been vacant since Landmark Cinemas ceased operations there in June 2008.
William Trefry, CAT’s executive director, said members of the non-profit society that operates the performing arts organization voted on Aug. 31 to authorize their board to acquire the Uptown.
He hopes negotiations can be completed this month, renovations started this fall and the facilities ready for use in the first half of 2011.
“I’m very comfortable where we’re at right now with the negotiations.”
Although Landmark Cinemas was the longtime tenant of the building, it’s privately owned, said Trefry. He said the plan would be to convert the four-theatre building, which opened in 1968, into a layout more suitable to CAT’s needs.
“In the new format we’d be looking at two performing spaces and then one entertaining section,” he said, adding that details will be made available next Wednesday at CATena #7, when CAT will launch its new dinner theatre season.
But he said the intent would be to use the new space for a variety of productions, including musical, comedic and theatrical.
“It will be a multi-use facility that we can lease out to various groups, organizations and cultural events for Central Albertans.”
One appeal of the Uptown is it would provide size alternatives to the 704-seat auditorium at the Memorial Centre, said Trefry. And a performing arts facility would be a nice addition to the downtown.
“I think it would be well-embraced by both the general public as well as the Downtown Business Association. I think that type of fit in the downtown core would be very conducive to their long-term revitalization plans.”
Trefry stressed that CAT will continue to operate out of the Memorial Centre, which it has managed on behalf of the City of Red Deer since 1994. That facility underwent a major addition in 2001.
“We’re not moving away from it, we’re expanding on our operations to give everyone more opportunities to enjoy theatre and other forms of entertainment.”
In addition to the Memorial Centre and attached CAT Studios, the group uses the Black Knight Inn for its productions. Trefry said it’s too soon to comment on the future of that venue.
“We’d have to see the overall fit for Central Alberta Theatre and the overall venue once renovations are complete.”
CATena #7 will take place at the Memorial Centre on Sept. 8, with readings from productions, entertainment and other announcements. It’s open to the public, with doors open at 7 p.m.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com