The Strand Cinema Unveils Stunning New Interior as £6.5M Restoration Nears Completion

By Love Belfast

November 3, 2025

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One of Belfast’s most beloved cultural landmarks, The Strand Cinema in East Belfast, has unveiled the first look inside its spectacular new interior — marking a major milestone in its £6.5 million restoration project.

The project is being delivered by Belfast City Council and is thanks to a mix of funding from Levelling Up, Belfast City Council, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and a number of private funders.

As Northern Ireland’s only operational art deco picturehouse, the Strand has been a cornerstone of Belfast’s cultural life since 1935. Now, almost 90 years later, it’s preparing for a bold new chapter that blends heritage with state-of-the-art design.

🌟 A First Look Inside “The Stalls”

Formerly known as Screen 2, the newly revealed ‘Stalls Theatre’ will feature a breathtaking 316-inch screen, surrounded by an elegant art-deco inspired frame.

The reimagined space brings together cutting-edge 4K laser projection, immersive surround sound, and carefully raked seating to give audiences the best possible view and cinematic experience.

But what truly sets this space apart is the attention to craftsmanship and history. Local artisans will reinstate the Strand’s curved ridged walls, porthole lights, and original art-deco clock, creating a nostalgic yet contemporary atmosphere — one that evokes the feeling of sitting in the bow of a ship.

🏛️ Preserving Belfast’s Art Deco Gem

The redevelopment will secure the Strand’s future as a world-class arts and cultural hub, with:
🎥 Restored art-deco architecture
♿ Enhanced accessibility
🎭 Expanded community arts spaces
🎞️ State-of-the-art screening facilities

This ambitious project isn’t just about preservation — it’s about reimagining what a local cinema can be for future generations of Belfast audiences.

💛 Be Part of the Strand’s Story: Name a Seat

With just 5% of funding left to raise (£325,000), the Strand is calling on local businesses and supporters to help complete the journey.

Through the ‘Name a Seat’ campaign, donors can make a lasting contribution by adding a personalised brass plaque to a seat in the newly refurbished cinema. Each plaque becomes a timeless message — a dedication, a memory, or simply a show of support for a much-loved Belfast landmark.

Over 325 individuals and organisations have already taken part, including Belfast City Airport, Sixteen South Studios, Causeway Pictures, and LA-based Nadia Films.

Mimi Turtle, CEO of The Strand, said:

“We’ve been overwhelmed with the generosity of our supporters so far — from members of the public to local companies — who all recognise how important the Strand is to Belfast’s cultural heritage.

We are down to our last 50 seats for our Name a Seat Campaign, and we’d encourage anyone who wants to be part of the Strand’s story — both its history and its future — to help us cross the finish line.”