Building work for transformation at Abbeygate Cinema, in Bury St Edmunds, is under way
Building work for a new screen and other development plans at the Abbeygate Cinema, in Bury St Edmunds, has started.
The long-awaited transformation of the Hatter Street cinema and restaurant, which will merge the existing cinema and restaurant space with the derelict Winners Bingo areas, is under way.
Chris Peters, Abbeygate Cinema project manager, said: “We are really excited our long-standing plans will finally be coming to fruition and we can get on with improving our facilities.
“Everyone is asking when the new screen will be open. There’s a huge amount of work that has to happen before we can start building the new screen.
"In phase one we are laying new drains, installing underfloor plumbing for the new ground floor toilets, re-routing fire exits from the current screens and extending the kitchen workspaces."
Phase one of the works will finish with the opening of a new foyer area, with box office and kiosk counter joining through into the existing cinema and restaurant.
The cinema, restaurant and bar will remain open for business during building work, but occasionally may need to open later, limit audience capacities and occasionally cancel daytime screenings to allow noisy work to be completed.
“We apologise in advance for any inconvenience these works may cause,” Mr Peters said, “and thank our neighbours for their patience and co-operation."
Andrea Holmes, Abbeygate marketing manager, said: “We can’t wait for our new spaces to be open. Soon we will launch our fund-raising campaign, where the public can donate to the cause and have their name included in the actual fabric of the building. We’re thinking names carved into wooden blocks at the moment."
It is hoped phase one will be completed by the end of August.
Read our report on early demolition works starting at the cinema.
