YORK'S independent cinema is to benefit from a slice of £6 million from a top-ranking technology firm.

City Screen, in Coney Street, is to get enhanced technical equipment as part of the windfall, and will also upgrade to digital projection.

The cinema has already installed an improved box office system as part of the deal.

The £6 million total has been given to City Screen's head office, in London, by investment firm Arts Alliance, to be used throughout its countrywide network of 14 cinemas.

Arts Alliance has taken a majority shareholding in the company, which is operated by founder directors Lyn Goleby and Tony Jones. City Screen Limited, set up in 1989, owns and operates 14 cinemas in towns and cities throughout the UK. City Screen's strategy has been to invest in university cities where a niche market exists for specialist cinema.

The company plans to expand to take in medium-sized market towns where there is also great potential for smaller venues with a

mixed mainstream and specialist film programme.

Lyn Goleby said: "City Screen's philosophy hinges on bringing specialist and art house film alongside the mainstream to cinema

audiences.

"This investment means we will be able to continue to introduce a quality choice to more people.

Arts Alliance's managing director, Thomas Hegh, said: "We have found a well-run company with a solid potential for growth.

"It is our view that the film aficionado welcomes a well-managed cinema with a dedication to quality film."

Updated: 10:50 Tuesday, April 09, 2002