SAVE
THE
TOWER
FOR THE COMMUNITY
I Saved the Tower Pledge
Help us to purchase and re-open the Tower. We have launched I Saved The Tower Pledge Fund. By pledging an amount, you are basically saying that if together we are successful in our Scottish Land Fund application, you will turn that pledge into a donation which we will combine with the SLF’s funding to Purchase The Tower.
Welcome
So glad you made it.
This website is home to The Save The Tower Steering Group. A small but determined group of former staff, volunteers and patrons of the Tower Arts Centre and Cinema in Helensburgh. We decided to come together and explore the option of bringing the facility under community ownership after it closed for good in the first quarter of 2024.
The Steering group
What's the story?
A much loved venue...
The Tower Cinema was in operation from 2014-2023 as a cinema and arts venue. It has been, and continues to be, much loved and widely used by the residents in Helensburgh and the surrounding area. Pre-pandemic, the large venue on the site hosted many successful events. We now plan to buy part of the building, situated at 79-81 Sinclair Street, Helensburgh G84 8TG. The building was originally Saint Columba’s Church, built in 1861 and is owned by Visit Helensburgh, a private limited company. The owner has intimated that he is a willing seller.
The facility comprises two cinema spaces (40 and 20 seating capacity) and a further substantial space suitable for live music and other live events with capacity for 250. Films can also be shown in this large venue. There is also a fully licenced bar as well as a licenced shop selling alcohol, soft drinks, popcorn, chocolate etc.
Once we have secured the purchase of the building, we intend to re-establish the provision of cinema for the community, showing latest releases, periodic film festivals and live theatre streaming. We will also provide live performances in the main auditorium including bands, theatre and talks. It is important to note that Helensburgh and surrounding areas are, in terms of cinema and the arts, an underserved community – this was the only cinema in a 20-mile radius, serving rural Argyll communities as well as the nearby towns Dumbarton and Alexandria.
Our upcoming fundraising events
Join us for one of our upcoming events.
All events go to help to SAVE THE TOWER!
The Greatest Showman (PG) family singalong
10th May, 6pm
Raising money to Save The Tower!
Come along to The Submarine Centre for this family-friendly sing-along screening of The Greatest Showman! This special community sing-along version of the beloved musical invites you to sing your heart out to all the iconic songs, from "This Is Me" to "The Greatest Show."
Bring your family & friends for this feel-good movie that’s perfect for all ages. Whether you're a Greatest Showman fan or discovering the magic for the first time, this event is guaranteed to lift your spirits and get everyone singing.
Perfect for families and anyone looking for a fun, fabulous night out. Don't miss out—seating is limited!
Summer Afternoon Tea with musical entertainment
1st June, 1.30pm
Welcome to our next Save The Tower fundraising event! In the main atrium of the Civic Centre, we'll have an afternoon filled with delicious tea, scrumptious treats, and fantastic entertainment from well known local vocalist, Kirsty McLaren. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a delightful afternoon in a charming setting with friends and family. Our bar will be open too! We can't wait to see you there!
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Party - DJ set and movie (Cert 15)
21st Jun, 6:30 pm
Raising money to help Save The Tower!
The Rocky Horror Picture Show party and movie (Cert 15)
Don't dream it, be it!
Come join us in The Submarine Centre in Helensburgh for a unique event you'll never forget!
First up is a DJ set by local hero Stewart Maule SM9 DJ Services. Then enjoy the kitsch and camp 1975 classic spoof horror movie musical (Cert 15). Our bar will be open and there will be prizes for the best fancy dress costumes.
Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!
About us
Within Community lies UNITY. And the idea of losing this cherished facility was not an option for a small, determined group of patrons, volunteers and staff of the Tower, who decided to come together and explore the option of bringing the Tower under community ownership. Could this be done? Would the support be there? There was only one way to find out. Flash forward to present day...
There are a lot of positive reasons for forging ahead. The current owner is willing to sell. The infrastructure for the business and building are already in place, so we are not starting from scratch, and we believe the support of the community is there for us to proceed.
