When I remember watching Jurassic Park for the first time at a small local cinema with my friends, it fills me with a sense of nostalgia. I remember how excited we all were to see the movie, and how we huddled together in the darkened theatre, glued to the screen as the dinosaurs roared and chased their prey. These times of going to the local cinema, being with friends from my local community, and experiencing incredible entertainment, are moments that I will always cherish.
It is these warm nostalgic memories that underpin my desire for a permanent Newmarket cinema so that people of all generations can create their own experiences by coming together in the experience of watching a movie. Currently, residents must travel to Cambridge to see the latest films, which is inconvenient and costly, particularly for families who would have to pay for transportation and parking. By having a cinema in town, residents have the opportunity to see the latest movies without having to leave their community. .
For many years now, I and several others, such as the Newmarket Charitable Foundation have campaigned for a new cinema in Newmarket. While it has taken a lot of time and energy, we are finally making some promising steps to achieving our goal. We are excited to be working with the Jockey Club exploring the feasibility of turning the former Subscription Rooms, once home to the National Horseracing Museum, into a boutique cinema. .
Not only does it make sense from a social, community, and cultural perspective, but it makes economic sense too. It would attract visitors from surrounding areas who come to see films, which in turn stimulates local businesses such as restaurants and cafes. The cinema could also create jobs in Newmarket, providing employment opportunities for local residents. Finally, it would help alleviate the issue of young adults leaving Newmarket for Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds, as young people are attracted to towns that offer a range of amenities and cultural activities, and a cinema is a key part of this. Without a cinema, young people may be more likely to leave the town in search of entertainment elsewhere. .
A trial mobile cinema was introduced during the February half-term, and I was delighted to see so many local people come together and watch the latest films. More than 1500 people completed a questionnaire examining the public appetite for a permanent cinema in Newmarket and I was thrilled to learn 96% of these responses were in favour of a permanent Newmarket cinema. This is another important step towards our goal. .
I want to thank the Newmarket Charitable Foundation and many others for the time and hard work they have put into this campaign. I know there is still some way to go before our goal is achieved, but we are making significant steps in the right direction. The case for a new cinema in Newmarket is clear and we will keep pushing towards our goal.
Politics
