Windmill Cinema: Here's when the historic venue could reopen following devastating Harvester fire

Representatives from Arun District Council (ADC), Freedom Leisure, the Windmill Cinema, and other key partners joined together on Tuesday (October 24) to discuss the current situation and future plans for reopening the historic venue.

It has now been announced that the involved teams hope to reopen the complex in March 2024, once repair work has commenced.

A statement from ADC said: “It was a positive and constructive meeting with stakeholders committed to seeing the Windmill back up and operational and better than ever.

“Discussion was had about the potential for a partial reopening, and it was clear that this was not a possibility.

"As the Freeholder of that building, we need to make sure that the safety of the public, the staff and contractors is our priority."

Demolition work starts at the Harvester

The building was saved following a devastating fire which destroyed the neighbouring Harvester restaurant on Thursday, August 10.

Cinema bosses were hopeful of reopening by August 14 but the venue remained closed after asbestos was discovered in the premises.

The statement continued: “The independent fire assessment that has been done is very clear that in its current condition, the building doesn’t offer a safe environment, and therefore a programme of work has been put together so that the process of getting the Windmill back in action can begin safely, properly and with all the right partners involved."

Meanwhile, demolition work of the Harvester has begun next door, and owners Mitchell & Butler said they hope to build an ‘even better’ restaurant in its place.