someone to operate the 400-seat modern movie theatre on the former US Navy base.

BLDC spokesman Don Grearson confirmed yesterday that a one-year lease on the cinema at Southside had been signed with businessmen Terance Douglas and Eldon Ray.

Mr. Douglas, who runs telecoms store Unlimited Supplies, told The Royal Gazette he and his partner plan to open the theatre as "Southside Cinema'' in early February after renovations and receiving the necessary permits.

Old Town to lose New Somers Playhouse Southside's gain, however, is the Old Town's loss. Mr. Douglas revealed that as of February, the New Somers Playhouse in St. George's will close its doors.

Operators Darren and Suzette Swan are selling the cinema's equipment and supplies to Mr. Douglas and Mr. Ray, who in turn decided it was more feasible to renovate and take over the Southside movie theatre. Mr. Grearson said it had taken just over a year to find an operator because although there was some interest, people were unsure of its viability in the short and long term given its location in the fledgling East End residential and commercial community.

Mr. Douglas said the initial plan was to show new release films nightly at similar times as they had been shown at New Somers Playhouse, but eventually they hope to offer matinees. Mr. Douglas said he was hoping to work with the St. George's mini-bus service to offer cheaper fares to Southside -- they are currently $5, and with the BLDC to get later running buses -- they currently stop going to St. David's at 6 p.m.

Corporation of St. George secretary Nancy Hooper said: "Of course we're sad to see businesses leave the area, but I couldn't see the East End supporting two cinemas anyway.''