Strand Arts Centre restoration

Redevelopment of Strand Arts Centre

Work is underway to redevelop Strand Arts Centre, preserving and enhancing this cinema, which dates back to 1935, and creating a new home for the arts in east Belfast.

The £6.5 million redevelopment is funded by the UK Government and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, along with our council, and additional corporate and public sponsorship driven by the Strand’s team.

We will deliver this project and manage the work.

What will it include?

When it reopens in summer 2026, the Strand will include:

• state-of-the-art cinema facilities
• a licensed café
• creative learning studios
• new performance spaces
• an interactive exhibition showcasing the history of the Art Deco cinema and its unique place alongside Belfast’s other iconic picture houses.

Original architectural features, including the famous façade, entrance and foyer, will be retained.

There will be improvements to disability access, along with multi-purpose spaces for community groups and charities to hire. 

History of the Strand

Dating back to 1935, the Strand was originally a single screen cinema. Its maritime-style design was influenced by its proximity to the Harland & Wolff shipyard, featuring curved walls and porthole lights and windows throughout.

The cinema thrived for decades, and it became established as an east Belfast landmark. Over the years, time took its toll and, in the 1980s, the building’s interior was subdivided to meet public demand for more film choice.

In 2013, the Strand Arts Centre was established to prevent the closure and potential demolition of the building. The charity has repurposed the building as a thriving arts centre, incorporating a four-screen cinema. In tandem, it has sought investment to secure the building’s long-term future.

Still open for business

The Strand Arts Centre is operating from a temporary home in Connswater Shopping Centre while redevelopment work is taking place.

It continues to offer film screenings, events and community activities.

For full details of what’s coming up in 2025, go to Strand Arts Centre (link opens in new window).