New indoor, rooftop cinema being proposed for Air Raid Arcade above popular bar
Films will be screened year-round at the first rooftop cinema in Darwin’s CBD. FIRST LOOK AT THE PLANS.
Northern Territory
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DEVELOPERS want to build a second screen for the Deckchair Cinema in a rooftop space above one of Darwin’s most vibrant arcades, plans show.
The eclectic Air Raid Arcade is already home to two bars – Babylon and Birth of Venus – as well as a record store, the House of Darwin retail outlet and several other tenants.
Plans lodged by Tatam Planning Co. show the space above the bustling alleyway could soon be home to a cinema screen that Deckchair Cinema will use to screen arthouse films.
“This includes the cinema itself, but also a large cinema foyer/alfresco area and existing patio space,” the development application says.
“The alfresco area and cinema foyer are proposed to be created for use prior to and after cinema screenings for ticket purchases, snack purchases and as a general lounge/waiting area.”
The application suggests the popular outdoor venue near the Darwin Waterfront will continue, with the second screen to allow the showing of even more films.
“The Deckchair Cinema operates an existing and extremely successful outdoor cinema venue in the CBD and are looking to operate a similar indoor venue for arthouse films that can be utilised all year round,” it said.
“The proposed cinema space will have capacity for up to 120 persons.”
In addition to the cinema, an art gallery and function space is also proposed for the Air Raid’s first floor.
The new facility won’t impact the popular tenants below, but will include new toilets on the ground floor.
Deckchair Cinema is only able to use its outdoor venue for the dry season, with screenings of popular films moved to Casuarina Shopping Centre’s screens during the Wet.
In a letter to the NT Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Darwin Film Society chairman Jeff Coulter said he supported the plans.
“Following the closure of the only indoor Cinema on Mitchell St in Darwin CBD 4 years ago we have been investigating any possible spaces that have come to our attention,” Mr Coulter said.
“We believe the proposed space above the Air Raid Arcade is a fantastic opportunity for us.”
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Originally published as New indoor, rooftop cinema being proposed for Air Raid Arcade above popular bar
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