Heathfield Cinema Project Aims to Light Up the High Street

Heathfield Cinema Project Aims to Light Up the High Street

Initially there was a mystery about who was behind the project, and there is still no idea where it will be located. Now the picture is a little clearer. A familiar face around Heathfield has stepped forward and revealed plans that could change the heart of the High Street.

Mark, a Heathfield & Waldron Parish Councillor, committee member of the Chamber of Commerce, and soon-to-retire Police Sergeant, is spearheading an ambitious bid to bring a permanent cinema to Heathfield and most probably a bar or coffee shop incorporated into the venue. Anyone who has visited the Kino at Hawkhurst for example will be familiar with the format.

Mark has served in the Metropolitan Police for 25 years, but his current focus is much closer to home: creating a community cinema that would reinvest its surplus profits back into local projects. “I’ve had a few questions about whether this is all real,” he admits. “I can assure people, I wouldn’t risk my pension or liberty on a scam. This is about giving Heathfield something lasting.

Community Cinema in Heathfield High Street

The vision is straightforward. A Community Interest Company (CIC) has been registered, and a dedicated bank account set up. Unlike commercial ventures, there are no private shareholders—meaning every pound of surplus profit will be reinvested into Heathfield.

“This is about keeping the benefits local,” Mark explains. “A cinema brings people into town, supports the High Street, and gives residents and families a place to enjoy without leaving Heathfield.”

Funding the Heathfield Cinema

Launching a cinema is no small task. To protect the community-first model, private investors are off the table. Instead, funding will come from:

• Grant applications to regional and national schemes
• Crowdfunding to raise essential start-up funds
• Early membership sales to build community support

Some scepticism has met the crowdfunding element, but Mark stresses that many grants require match-funding or evidence of progress before awarding money. “It’s a bit of a chicken and egg situation. You need some money in place before the larger funding can unlock,” he says.

When asked about personal funding, Mark is clear: beyond the £65 paid to register the CIC, no. “If I invested, I’d become a shareholder—and that goes against the whole ethos of this project.”

Progress Already Made

The Heathfield cinema project is well past the talking stage. Achievements so far include:

1. Registration as a CIC with Companies House
2. A new community bank account
3. Identification of a High Street site (location under wraps until tenants move)
4. Engagement of architects and consultants for planning
5. Advice taken from other community cinemas and independents
6. Support secured from EDEAL Enterprise
7. A clear funding strategy lined up

“Transparency is key,” Mark says. “There will be a board of trustees to make sure everything is open and accountable.”

What Happens Next

The next hurdles are planning permission, securing the High Street site, and continuing the push for funding.

Mark is inviting residents to support the idea, spread the word, and ask questions. “This is about strengthening Heathfield’s High Street and creating a cinema we can all be proud of,” he says.

Updates can be followed on the project’s Facebook page, or by emailing heathfieldcinema@hotmail.com. And ofcourse The Heathfield news will be watching the progress closely.