By ANNA USHER

A cinema projectionist who spent half a century bringing motion pictures to local movie goers is set to have a new plaza named after him, beating the likes of Kate Grenville and May Gibbs in a community vote.

North Sydney Council will vote on Monday night to call the revamped Neutral Bay Plaza in honour of Cec Pearsall, a tireless contributor to life on the lower north shore, who died in 2016 at the age of 97.

Mr Pearsall lived most of his life in the local area, residing on Earle St in Cremorne for many years.

A self-described ‘war child’, Mr Pearsall’s parents met in England while his father served in the Australian Imperial Force [AIF] during World War I.

He helped his mother raise six siblings throughout the 1920s and 30s and worked for 50 years as a projectionist in local cinemas.

Council Historian Dr Ian Hoskins is expected to endorse the proposed Plaza’s name at next week’s bi-monthly meeting.

“Following his retirement, Cec continued to contribute to the community through his involvement in Council’s Bushcare program, Crows Nest Community Centre, Primrose Park Arts and Craft Group, and other local initiatives,” Dr Hoskins said.

“He also contributed to Council’s heritage collection by donating items and recording his memories through oral histories and writings. Mr Pearsall’s contribution was formally recognised when he was named North Sydney Citizen of the Year in 1993.”

Neutral Bay’s Young St Plaza reopened in April, capping a five-year saga over one of the lower north shore’s most divisive public spaces.

Community feedback shaped the $2.749 million redesign, with residents asking for comfortable outdoor furniture, non-slip surfaces, more plants, improved lighting, and better accessibility for older locals and people with disabilities.

Mayor Zoë Baker said at the time the new space was designed to bring Neutral Bay’s village centre back to life.

“Open spaces like Young Street plaza are essential for bringing people together and supporting a strong sense of community,” Mayor Baker said.

“When public places are welcoming, safe and well-designed, they encourage people to connect, spend time locally and feel proud of their village.