Castle Duo doors may close

The days of Kaikohe's Castle Duo cinema could be numbered.

The twin-screen movie theatre with a distinctive castle-like facade was purpose-built in 1996 on Raihara St and operated for many years by John Upperton.

The building is now owned by Lynnis Burson of Kerikeri, while Kaikohe's Ben Wilson owns and operates the cinema.

However, Mr Wilson will not renew his lease when it expires in October. It is becoming increasingly difficult to get new-release films for the cinema's 35mm projectors, and the estimated $120,000 cost of upgrading to a digital projection system is prohibitive.

Mrs Burson is now trying to gauge the level of interest in keeping Castle Duo's doors open. She says the cinema has the only tiered seating in Kaikohe, which means it could also be used for comedy shows, concerts, theatre and much more.

She has considered setting up a Friends of the Cinema society and is working on a business plan for keeping Castle Duo open as a community cinema and function centre. A society would be able to apply for grants for airconditioning, a new projector and improved seating.

The response since she put word out about the cinema's possible demise has been heartening and "amazingly positive", and Mrs Burson has had more than 100 responses plus offers of fundraising help and to set up a Facebook page.

With 32 per cent of Kaikohe residents aged under 15, she is keen to see it used as a youth-focused venue. Mrs Burson spoke to Kaikohe Business Association on Tuesday and will address Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board next week.

For a time in 2009, when Swamp Palace at Oruru closed and Kerikeri's Cathay Cinema was undergoing a rebuild, Castle Duo was the only functioning cinema north of Whangarei.

Email savecastleduo@hotmail.com for details or to join the mailing list. You may also leave your name at the cinema.