The Light House Cinema in Dublin’s Smithfield has applied for planning permission to add two new small screens, bringing its total seating capacity to 694. The expansion plan submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála involves converting a neighboring retail unit into cinema space while upgrading existing customer facilities near Market Square.
Planning Application Details for Smithfield Expansion
The cinema lodged a formal application with An Coimisiún Pleanála targeting unit 9b, a retail space with facades situated on Queen Street and Blackhall Walk. According to the filing documents, the proposed development covers a total floor area of roughly 385 square metres. The project will insert two intimate screening rooms featuring 35 and 45 seats respectively. These additions will expand the venue’s existing four screens to a total of six, while supplementary toilets will be installed to accommodate the higher visitor volume.
Beyond the new auditoriums, the project encompasses operational upgrades to the current building layout. Plans detail the installation of a brand-new bar within the existing café alongside a dedicated wash-up room. The main entrance facing Smithfield Square is also slated for structural and aesthetic refreshes, including a fresh canopy, upgraded lighting, and modernized signage featuring digital display areas.
Evolution of Dublin’s Independent Cinema
In 2011, the cinema faced closure and was subsequently taken over by the National Asset Management Agency (Nama). Element Pictures stepped in to reopen the doors in 2012, transforming the venue just off Market Square into a thriving neighborhood anchor.
Did you know? Before the current expansion plans, the Light House operated with four distinct screens, hosting regular high-profile film premieres, community quizzes, specialized book clubs, and baby-friendly morning screenings.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Light House Cinema Project
Where will the new cinema screens be located?
The two new screens will occupy unit 9b, a former retail space with frontages on Queen Street and Blackhall Walk, adjacent to the existing Smithfield building.
How many seats will the expanded cinema have?
The new screens will add 35 and 45 seats respectively, raising the Light House’s overall seating capacity to 694 across six total screens.
Who is reviewing the planning documents?
The application to alter the retail space and modify the existing facility has been submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
Keep reading
- Ashley James Confirms Surgery for Postpartum Incontinence
- Legendary Opera Stars Plasido Domingo and Jose Carreras to Reunite in Riga
- LNG Canada to Double Exports with $33-Billion Phase 2 Expansion in B.C. (archynewsy.com)
- Dublin’s Healthcare System to Streamline E-Health Infrastructure and Cut Hospital Waitlists (archyworldys.com)