Harwich Haven Authority gets behind the Electric Palace’s new projector appeal with a donation of £10K 

05 November 2024

Picture caption: (left to right) Emalie Calderbank, Harwich Haven Authority; Richard Bench, Trustee, Electric Palace; Helen Rudd, Strategy and Partnerships Director, Harwich Haven Authority; Deb Perkins, Trustee, Electric Palace; Mel Shepherd, Harwich Haven Authority; Haley Forrest, Learning and Development Officer, Electric Palace; Phil Hartwell, Trustee, Electric Palace. 

Harwich Haven Authority has donated £10,000 to Harwich’s much-loved cinema, the Electric Palace, following the launch of their appeal to replace its projector. 

Built in 1911, The Electric Palace has been a cherished part of the Harwich community for 115 years and remains one of the only surviving purpose-built cinemas in East Anglia.  

As a trust port, Harwich Haven Authority operates commercially but is not-for-profit. Any surplus profits are reinvested into the Haven for the benefit of stakeholders, charities, NGOs and community interest companies.  

Sarah West, CEO, Harwich Haven Authority said: “Along with Ha’penny Pier, the Electric Palace is probably the most iconic landmark in Harwich. Steeped in history the cinema provides members of the community with access to a film experience without having to travel miles. 

“We were keen that our donation benefitted both parties and we’re excited to offer our employees, and their families, the chance to use the facilities at the Electric Palace.” 

The donation from Harwich Haven Authority has been designed to benefit both employees and family members working at Authority, who will receive discounted cinema tickets as part of the deal. It is hoped that the agreed package of funding will also increase visitor numbers for the Electric Palace. 

“Packaging our donation into a three-year corporate membership will, we hope, see more cinema goers through the doors and increase their revenue. 

“I’m hopeful that other businesses in the Harwich area will follow our lead and support both the appeal to replace the cinema’s projector and offer their employees affordable access to the Electric Palace.” 

Michael Offord, Operations Manager, Electric Palace added: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Harwich Haven Authority and we are now more hopeful of reaching our target goal of £70,000 

 “The cinema has experienced many ups and downs over the years, including in 2006 being placed on the English Heritage’s ‘At Risk’ Register. However, we are lucky to have a great team of volunteers who continue to give their time to keep the cinema going. However, the requirement to replace the projector is becoming more urgent and we are very concerned. 

 “Plans are in place to extend the film programme and open on additional days during the week, so we have everything crossed that we can raise the necessary money.” 

 As part of Harwich Haven Authority’s commitment to creating social value from their operations, employees have also agreed to volunteer their time to the Electric Palace to help with a sales strategy and marketing.  

 

If you would like to support the Electric Palace appeal, contact:  [email protected] or visit https://electricpalace.com/support-us/donate/ .