ADAPTIVE RE-USE: CONVERSION OF OCEAN THEATRE TO OCEAN FOOD CENTRE

Abstract

The '80s witnessed the cinemas dwindling in numbers, at the same time acquiring status far different from which they were first built. These cinemas have either been converted to other uses e.g. churches, food centre, live-theatres, furniture showroom and a theatre for cultural activities or are redeveloped. Many cinemas have closed down due to declining patronage and several factors could be attributed to the closures. These include competition from other forms of entertainment like video and television, a shortage of popular movies (for some cinemas especially), the declining general condition of cinemas and locational disadvantages. These cinemas which failed to draw the crowds have closed down and they are now economically obsolete buildings. In view of the escalating number in cinema closures, alternative uses should be found for them since they are still physically sound. However, this is easier said than done. Often the reason for its redundacy militates against finding a new use for it e.g. if it is far from the hub of communal activities, or is badly served by public transport, or it might be too large. If a new use is to be found, it must be compatible to the form of building and to its surroundings. At the same time it must be a viable business venture: it must generate a positive return for a reasonable period of time.