New plans for old Hollywood Theatre about to be revealed
Posted February 23, 2018 10:01 pm.
Last Updated February 24, 2018 2:51 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Seven years after it closed as a movie theatre, the Hollywood Theatre on Broadway in Kitsilano may once again become a movie cinema – and more.
Two men with experience in the entertainment business envision what they call a beautifully-renovated, state-of-the-art performing arts centre.
Sean Mawhinney and David Hawkes are hoping to stage live music and theatre performances, movie screenings and even free-to-the public events in the space.
The theatre was opened back in the 1930s, but was shuttered and sold in 2011, much to the dismay of the neighbourhood and fans of old movie theatres. The new owner, Dino Bonnis of Bonnis Properties, wanted to convert it to a fitness centre, which prompted the rise of the group “Save the Hollywood Theatre.” It has largely sat empty, except between September, 2012 and November 2013, when it was leased out to a church.
Mel Lehan is a member of Save the Hollywood. He says he’s met with Mawhinney and Hawkes and likes their proposal.
“We just want to make sure that it doesn’t become just a nightclub. The two operators are assuring us that they are going to keep it at a scale like the Rio Theatre rather than something you’d find on the Granville Strip.”
And he’s happy the proposal includes a strong community component.
“They are promising ten per cent of the showings will be given over to the community. Some of it will be free, and some at a reduced price.”
The plans, according to Lehan, hinge upon Bonnis getting awarded City of Vancouver density bonuses for a property that sits next to the Hollywood. Bonnis had already made a similar request back in 2014.
The team that put the proposal together feels it is the perfect fit for the Hollywood Theatre. Mawhinney is the building manager for both the Commodore Ballroom and Vogue Theatre.
Hawkes launched the live music program for the Imperial Theatre on Main Street and has produced numerous music festivals.
The public will have an opportunity to see the details at an open house tentatively scheduled for March 15. The location has yet to be announced.
