Bristol independent cinema The Cube’s fundraising appeal has given the self-styled ‘microplex’ a happy ending – allowing it to buy the freehold of the building and determine its own future.
The Cube raised the £185,000 needed from donations by supporters and fundraising events along with a £90,000 contribution from The Arts Council. 
With its new-found freedom, The Cube – originally set up in 1998 – plans to create better access for those with restricted mobility, a larger bar/lounge area, improved toilets, restored cinema seats and residency space for visiting artists.
Its 3,700 sq ft base in Stokes Croft hosts an eclectic mix of artistic and cultural events, including art-house film screenings and alternative music and comedy performances unlikely to be staged elsewhere in the city, as well as providing a focal point for the local artistic community.
In addition to the 108-seat auditorium, the building also serves as an arts venue, creche and progressive social enterprise with a bar serving local and ethical products.
The Cube was represented by Bristol-based property consultants Williams Gunter Hardwick. The firm’s Andrew Hardwick said: “It was a real privilege to play a role in the future of such an important part of the Bristol arts scene.
“Truly independent cinemas are, sadly, far too few in number.”
The building was bought from Beaver Estates Limited, which was represented by Nicholas J Upton.
The building, in Princess Row, has a fascinating history and according to Williams Gunter Hardwick, over the years been an am-dram theatre, an avant-garde 70’s art centre, a home for the Chinese Overseas Association, a girls’ school, a deaf and dumb institute and (allegedly) a porn cinema.
A workshop at the end of the garden which now forms part of the Cube auditorium was built in the late 19th Century as a glass recycling factory.
