Located in Cameron Square in the heart of Fort William's High Street, the Highland Cinema replaced a dilapidated 1980s building on the site of the old town hall. The town had been without a cinema for 15 years. The client had a vision to improve the social life and the environment of the town through a new development. Over two years, the designs were developed, the existing building was demolished, and a bespoke cinema building and cafe bar were constructed.
Dualchas was proud to be the design lead on this significant, bespoke regeneration project for the Highland town. A vibrant new social and cultural hub has been created for the area, and its benefits will be experienced by many generations to come. The rear blocks house substantial cinemas and support services. Careful consideration was given to their scale to avoid overwhelming the surrounding lanes and buildings. The pitched roof forms draw inspiration from the distillery warehouses found throughout the Highlands, evoking a semi-industrial aesthetic that suits their size.
The project was completed within two years of commencement, despite challenges posed by the city center site and unforeseen obstacles due to COVID-19 in 2020. This success was the result of the commitment of the client and a positive collaborative approach within the team. The design introduced a new public 'hall' facing the square, serving as a social focal point for the area. It offers a café, bar, meeting, and performance space, drawing inspiration from the traditional village halls of the region and their community-centric purpose.