A NEW logo has been launched to mark the centenary of the UK's oldest continuously operating cinema in East Finchley.

Bosses at the Phoenix Cinema say the new design captures the “excitement” around the £1.1million restoration project, which is due to begin next year.

Only about £90,000 is needed before the early stages of the renovation can get under way. The 3D logo is also said to reflect the cinema's past and “embrace its future” as it celebrates the 100 year anniversary of it being built in 1910.

The money, which has been raised through grants, donations and events, will be spent on improving the historic auditorium, restoring the art deco interior and frontage, and building a new café/bar.

The whole project marks “the most significant development in over fifty years” according to Phoenix Chief Executive Paul Homer, and he added: “We just wanted to announce the fact it's our centenary through the new logo.”

Featuring the Phoenix symbol attached to the frontage of the building with a sunrise semicircle behind, the logo also carries the dates the cinema has been open and will be used on brochures, fundraising materials and centenary souvenirs throughout 2010.

It has been created by Hughes Design, who wanted to represent “the dawn of a new era for the Phoenix as it rises again, restored to face its new century”.

The centenary celebrations will also be commemorated with the publication of a new, full history of the cinema.