Plans For Film Centre In London Set In Motion By BFI

The British Film Institute has launched an Options Appraisal and Feasibility Study to establish a world-class Film Centre on London’s South Bank.
Drivers Jonas have been appointed as lead consultants, with David Pratley Associates in support as arts consultants.
The study, which starts immediately and is expected to be completed by the end of February 2007, is to be funded from a grant of up to £500,000 allocated by the London Development Agency.
Originally established for the Festival of Britain in 1951, the Telekinema – or National Film Theatre as it later became – has led the national celebration of film culture and heritage and remains world-renowned today. The BFI moved to its present site underneath Waterloo Bridge in 1952 and this space is reaching the end of its natural life. Some 50 years later the building is no longer adequate to meet the changing expectations of audiences and film-makers.
Director of the BFI, Amanda Nevill, commented: “Britain has one of the most vibrant film industries in the world and it is inconceivable that there is no national centre for its celebration. Film as a cultural activity is every bit as important as theatre, dance, music or fine art. A major international centre in London dedicated to film will have far-reaching economic, social and cultural benefits, not just to the local community but also nationally, internationally and to the creative industries as a whole in Britain.”
A landmark Film Centre is an integral part of the BFI’s mission to make the broadest diversity of world cinema available to as wide an audience as possible. The feasibility study is designed to help the BFI establish more evidential support for the Film Centre and determine where it should be located. It will also enable the BFI to confirm a detailed artistic vision for the project as well as early design development.
(DS/SP)