Community Impact Statement for proposed Heathfield Cinema

Community Impact Statement

Social media has been buzzing with news that Heathfield may be going to get a cinema. We don’t have any details of who is behind the plan nor where the potential location would be, but The Vault Cinema & Cafe have released this impact statement.

The Vault, Heathfield – Cinema and Cafe exists to provide accessible, inclusive and affordable film experiences for our local community. We believe cinema has the power to do more than entertain – it can inspire, educate and bring people together. Our vision is to create a welcoming community hub where film is used as a tool for connection, creativity and cultural exchange.

We exist to make cinema accessible to everyone in our community. By offering affordable screenings, diverse programming and inclusive events, we aim to remove barriers and ensure that no one is excluded from the shared joy of watching films together. Our primary purpose is to use cinema to bring people together, celebrate cultural diversity and improve wellbeing.

Our cinema will be more than just a screen. We will:

•Increase access to cinema by offering affordable screenings, family-friendly events and concessions for those on low incomes.

•Promote social inclusion by creating a safe and welcoming space where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can come together.

•Support education and skills by running film clubs, workshops, and discussions that encourage creativity, media literacy and lifelong learning.

•Celebrate culture and diversity by showcasing independent films, world cinema, live performance from the Arts and locally produced work alongside mainstream releases.

•Strengthen community connections by partnering with organisations including local schools, charities and cultural groups, ensuring our cinema reflects and serves the needs of our community.

Improve wellbeing by reducing loneliness and social isolation through shared cultural experiences.

It will be:

•A meeting place where neighbours connect, friendships grow and loneliness is reduced.

•A cultural space that celebrates stories from around the world and gives a platform to local voices.

•A learning environment where people of all ages can explore film, develop new skills and discover the power of storytelling.

•A creative hub that sparks conversation, encourages collaboration and inspires imagination.

2025 marks 100 years since the creation of community cinema. At present, residents of Heathfield and Waldron have to travel at least 16 miles to their nearest cinema and back. With a reduction in local transport facilities, many are forced to drive. A local community cinema will allow residents to be able to enjoy screenings without having to drive or rely upon sparse travel services. This supports both the Heathfield and Waldron Parish Council and Wealden District Council in reducing the impact on the environment.

In addition, the cinema will repurpose a currently vacant unit and the development will be undertaken with the environment in mind, from the use of environmentally sustainable materials to low energy hardware and recyclable consumables.

There are a number of cultural and social values associated with the creation of community cinemas. They create an additional £600,000 per year of additional social value per cinema, including a positive impact on footfall in the town centre where they are located. Community cinemas also drive connection with at least 60% having a strong impact on reducing isolation, increasing health and wellbeing and community pride. 78% of customers, 81% of paid staff and 91% of volunteers come from the community.

In addition to the revenue generated for the town, it will also lead to the creation of employment for local people, something which is in short supply for young people in particular.

Any surplus we generate will be reinvested directly into the continuous improvement of our facilities, expanding our community programmes and educational workshops whilst ensuring that our cinema remains accessible for all…serving not just today’s audiences, but future generations as well.

Our mission is simple but powerful: to use cinema to strengthen community, nurture creativity and make culture truly accessible for all.

Our ultimate goal is to create a cinema that is not only a place to watch films, but a vibrant hub for culture, learning and community connection.