Called the King’s Theatre-Community Restoration Group as of Sunday it had attracted 326 members since its inception four days earlier, which founder Bega High School Year 10 student Buddy Gottaas was pleased about. 

While the old theatre space is currently set to open as a Pacific Furniture store, Buddy is still rallying support for the cause.

He said his first step was to approach the Bega Valley Shire Council and Chamber of Commerce to ask whether or not the project could be done and if they could be involved. 

“If it does get going then I’d like to turn it into a community project, get sponsors, working bees, have people help out with fundraising and that sort of thing,” Buddy said.

The aim would be to mainly have the theatre operating as a picture cinema, however with the capabilities of being a venue for bands and a theatre as well. 

Buddy said he has received support from the BDN, ABC South East and the community, who were all interested in his project. 

His fascination with the venue started “ages” ago when he visited the building, and when he heard of the previous furniture store closing down thought the time was ripe for another push to have a cinema again.

He has pinned high hopes on the Council, and said if they can’t get involved them he may have to drop the dream. 

But if he gets support then he would like to form a core committee, and have fundraisers to raise money for the space.

“Even if I have wait another year, that’d still be ok,” he said. 

If anyone is interested in the cause they can join the Facebook group, or if they have any support to offer Buddy said they can also contact him through the group.