The Tower Cinema was in operation from 2014-2023 as a cinema and arts venue. It has been, and continues to be, much loved and widely used by the residents in Helensburgh and the surrounding area. Pre-pandemic, the large venue on the site hosted many successful events. We now plan to buy part of the building, situated at 79-81 Sinclair Street, Helensburgh G84 8TG. The building was originally Saint Columba’s Church, built in 1861 and is owned by Visit Helensburgh, a private limited company. The owner has intimated that he is a willing seller.
The facility comprises two cinema spaces (40 and 20 seating capacity) and a further substantial space suitable for live music and other live events with capacity for 250. Films can also be shown in this large venue. There is also a fully licenced bar as well as a licenced shop selling alcohol, soft drinks, popcorn, chocolate etc.
Once we have secured the purchase of the building, we intend to re-establish the provision of cinema for the community, showing latest releases, periodic film festivals and live theatre streaming. We will also provide live performances in the main auditorium including bands, theatre and talks. It is important to note that Helensburgh and surrounding areas are, in terms of cinema and the arts, an underserved community – this was the only cinema in a 20-mile radius, serving rural Argyll communities as well as the nearby towns Dumbarton and Alexandria.