Filmhouse (Edinburgh) Ltd has announced the appointment of Clark Contracts to lead the transformation of its iconic cinema in the heart of Edinburgh's city centre.

Located at 88 Lothian Road, the historic venue has been a cultural hub since 1979, when it opened in a converted church building. Originally founded as the Edinburgh Film Guild, Filmhouse became a beloved destination for arthouse cinema and played a pivotal role in Edinburgh's film scene for over four decades. Following its merger with the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) in 2010, the venue was part of the Centre for the Moving Image (CMI) until the organisation went into administration in 2022. This led to the closure of Filmhouse, EIFF, and the Belmont Cinema, and ultimately, the sale of the building to Caledonian Heritable.

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In response to the closure, the Open The Doors campaign was launched to preserve the iconic cinema. Thanks to support from Creative Scotland and The City of Edinburgh, funding was secured in July 2024, alongside a 25-year lease agreement, ensuring the venue’s future as a standalone cultural institution.

Clark Contracts began work in February 2025 on an extensive refurbishment of the building, which will include the upgrade of all three cinema screens. Improvements will focus on new seating, better legroom, and enhanced sightlines, while a fourth screen will also be created.

The renovation will also prioritise accessibility, with the creation of ground-level access into Screen 2, alongside enhancements to acoustics, heating, and ventilation. The public toilets, Café-Bar, and foyer areas will also undergo significant improvements to create more space and light. Additionally, energy efficiency is a key focus throughout the project.

Up to 40 new jobs are expected to be created as part of the cinema's rebirth, contributing to Edinburgh's vibrant cultural economy.

The refurbishment is supported by funding from the UK Government's Levelling Up Community Ownership Fund, The City of Edinburgh Council, Screen Scotland/Creative Scotland, and the Open the Doors! Crowdfunder.

Filmhouse is set to reopen its doors to the public in 2025, marking a new chapter for one of Edinburgh's most cherished cultural landmarks.