Rare film projector saved before cinema demolition

A piece of film history left abandoned in a derelict cinema due for demolition has been saved.

Norwich film enthusiasts feared a 1960s projector located in the old Hollywood Cinema building could be lost during work to bulldoze the Anglia Square shopping complex.

After campaigners pushed for its rescue, Norwich City Council teamed up with the Norwich University of Arts to preserve the 65-year-old vintage equipment.

But the council warned it would be too costly to save another part of Norwich's film heritage - a mural to Alan Partridge - on the side of the cinema building.

Peter Leigh, a Norwich-based broadcaster and blogger known as Nostalgia Nerd, helped to highlight the plight of the Italian-made Cinemeccanica Victoria 8 on social media.

He said he was pleased to see the technology saved rather than "ending up as trash in a bin".

"It is good to have it preserved so people can see it," he added.

The film projector was first released in 1961 and went on to become renowned in the industry.

Carli Harper, the council's cabinet member for major projects, said: "We reached out to the university, who gladly accepted our offer and will now host the projector for the city, the students and the British film industry.

"It's a shame we can't save the Partridge mural, but we will look to replicate it elsewhere in the city."

Many of the projectors were replaced by digital alternatives and while some are still in use, they are mostly now found in museums.

Prof Ben Stopher, vice chancellor of the university, added: "We are so proud to help save this piece of city and film history."

Demolition work stepped up at Anglia Square last month and is due to see the site cleared for 1,100 new homes over the coming weeks.

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