Aberdeen's beloved Belmont Cinema, the city's last remaining independent cinema, is getting a second chance at life thanks to community efforts and cutting-edge digital preservation technology.
ZynQ 360, a global provider of asset visualisation software and services, recently completed a comprehensive digital capture of the iconic venue ahead of its major refurbishment project.
This project served as both testing and training for the ZynQ 360 team and their way of contributing to the community's mission to save this cultural landmark.
A Community-Led Revival
When the Belmont Cinema closed its doors in October 2022, Aberdeen lost more than just a movie theatre, it lost a piece of its cultural heritage. The closure devastated many in the community but sparked something powerful: a community-led campaign to save and reopen this cherished local landmark.
Leading this revival effort are Matt, Gemma and their dedicated team at Belmont Community Cinema, who work tirelessly to secure the venue's future. Now, as renovation plans progress under their guidance, the cinema is benefiting from advanced digital documentation that will help to streamline the refurbishment process.
Advanced Technology Meets Heritage Preservation
The visual twin was created using a NavVis VLX 3 SLAM scanner, technology that represents the forefront of asset documentation. SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping) allows technicians to build detailed 3D models while moving through a space, creating comprehensive visual records without the limitations of traditional stationary scanners.
Beth Alexander of ZynQ 360, led the train, test and capture project alongside Team Lead Capture Technician Craig Shand. The team navigated the cinema's five floors, documenting everything from vintage movie posters to the building's distinctive "Escher-esque" staircase, the projection rooms and bar area. The result is a complete visual twin delivered through the unique ZynQ platform.
Multiple Benefits for Renovation and Beyond
The ZynQ visual twin serves several purposes:
Streamlined Refurbishment: Contractors, engineers, and architects now have precise, as-built insight into the building's current state, reducing guesswork and potential delays during renovation.
Historical Preservation: The detailed documentation creates a permanent record of the cinema's original condition, enabling meaningful before-and-after comparisons once renovation is complete.
Community Heritage: The digital archive celebrates and preserves what this cinema means to Aberdeen's cultural identity.
Supporting Local Progress Through Technology
This project exemplifies how advanced digital capture technology can support both preservation and progress in local communities. Speaking about her experience with the project, Gemma Cruickshank, Funding & Development Manager at The Belmont Cinema shared:
“Seeing the Belmont captured in this way is both moving and hugely valuable. The visual twin and fly-through gives us an incredible tool to support our architects and contractors during the refurbishment, while also preserving the character and history of a cinema that means so much to Aberdeen. Innovative projects like this highlight the power of collaboration and community, and we’re so grateful to ZynQ 360 for helping us keep the spirit of the Belmont alive as we work to reopen its doors and return it to the heart of the Aberdeen's cultural life.”
By creating detailed visual records of heritage buildings, ZynQ 360 helps ensure that renovation projects can proceed efficiently while maintaining historical integrity. The collaboration between the technology specialists and the passionate Belmont Community Cinema team demonstrates the power of combining innovative tools with dedicated community leadership.
The Belmont Cinema project follows ZynQ 360's previous work documenting Aberdeen's Union Terrace Gardens, click to view the tour here, demonstrating the company's commitment to preserving local landmarks through digital innovation.
How You Can Support the Revival
The Belmont Community Cinema team continues to work toward reopening this beloved venue. To learn more about their incredible efforts and to support the campaign, visit https://belmontcinema.co.uk/how-to-support.
As the Belmont Cinema renovation continues, the community eagerly awaits the day this cultural gem will once again welcome moviegoers through its doors. Thanks to digital preservation technology and the dedication of Matt, Gemma and their team, future generations will be able to see not just the renovated cinema but also understand and appreciate what came before - ensuring that Aberdeen's cinema heritage lives on both physically and digitally.
Read more and watch the fly-through video on LinkedIn here
ZynQ 360: Transforming Asset Management
ZynQ 360 is a leader in transforming asset management through its comprehensive data acquisition services and secure, sustainable ZynQ asset visualisation software.
Their services minimise the need for travel, facilitate remote working, and make crucial asset data readily accessible for various industries worldwide.
Learn More
Visit the ZynQ 360 website at www.zynq360.com to explore their capture services and the ZynQ visual twin platform in more detail.