Slow start for Brussels' new cinema venue Palace

Brussels' new cinema destination, Palace, has got off to a slow start - attracting 26,000 visitors in its first six months, which is less than management had hoped.

After 15 years of vacancy, the former Pathé Palace reopened in February. Bruzz reports that occupancy rates are around 30%.

Director Olivier Rey said: "There is still room for growth. In recent months there were many factors that worked against us, including the warm weather and the World Cup."

He added that there had been a lack of a "large communication campaign" and the cinema had reopened too late in the academic year to benefit from school visits.

An open day and advertising campaign for Palace is planned for the autumn. The venue has already been used to host events organised by Bpost and the European Commission.