The Edinburgh Filmhouse building has been put on the market by its administrators.
In early October, the Centre for the Moving Image - which ran the Filmhouse's in Edinburgh and Aberdeen, as well as the Edinburgh International Film Festival - filed for administration, citing a "perfect storm" of rising costs and reduced trade due to the pandemic and cost-of-living-crisis.
The building at 88 Lothian Road comprises a category B-listed Georgian sandstone former church, which has been converted to the famous cinema.
Danielle Corker, associate director at Savills Development, which is selling the property, said: “This unique property, most recently trading as the Flmhouse, was the headquarters of the Edinburgh International Film Festival and holds a special place in the hearts of the capital’s culture lovers and regular film goers.
“The building has ‘assembly and leisure’ planning consent and it would be wonderful if it could remain part of the city’s cultural offering, along with its close neighbours The Usher Hall and the Lyceum and Traverse theatres.
“However, its position adjacent to Festival Square, home to commercial and financial enterprises, as well as multiple bars and restaurants, means the building could suit a number of alternative uses, subject to obtaining the necessary consents.”
The property, originally constructed in 1830, extends over ground, mezzanine and first floors, comprising 20,068 sq ft in total.
Period features are retained, including a 12-panel segmental ceiling in what is currently Cinema One. There are two further cinema spaces, along with the Film Guild clubroom, box office, café, bar and kitchens.
Chad Griffin, joint administrator at FRP Advisory, said: “We anticipate a high level of demand for this outstanding development opportunity within Edinburgh’s financial and cultural quarter.”
A closing date for offers has been set for 7 December.
Don't miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter - sign up here for free.
