London's Prince Charles Cinema owners to submit bid to save Edinburgh Filmhouse

The team behind the only remaining independent cinema in London’s West End is set to launch a bid to revive the Edinburgh Filmhouse after it fell into administration.

The bid is being led by Gregory Lynn, a Bathgate native and Dunbar resident, who has co-run the Prince Charles Cinema, in London’s Leicester Place, for more than two decades.

The bid is fully costed and fully funded – including plans to buy the Filmhouse building and carry out extensive renovations, following detailed surveys that showed that it had fallen into substantial disrepair.

The team has had positive conversations with Edinburgh City Council, Creative Scotland, Screen Scotland and the Edinburgh Film Guild, with whom they have shared their vision for the Filmhouse to follow the Prince Charles’ highly successful business model of combining themed seasons of world and classic cinema, with specialised new independent releases, unique event screenings and a wide variety of festivals.

Gregory Lynn, the Prince Charles' co-owner is leading the bid. — Gregory Lynn, the Prince Charles’ co-owner is leading the bid. Submitted

They also confirmed their intention and hope for the cinema to once again host the Edinburgh International Film Festival after news last week of a rescue deal.

The Prince Charles Cinema bid for the Filmhouse will be submitted before midday on Wednesday December 7.

Mr Lynn said: “Having grown up and now living around Edinburgh, the Filmhouse has always been a hugely important cultural and community landmark for cinema lovers. Our bid is a robust, viable route to bring it back to life as a thriving independent cinema.

“As an experienced and successful independent cinema operator, we believe we are the best-qualified bidders with the funding, plan and expertise to bring the Filmhouse back to its full glory, with top-notch facilities, a fantastic and highly varied programme, full houses, and a secure future.”