Second screen plan for Regal Theatre

A proposal has been put forward to build a second screen at Stowmarket’s Regal Theatre following another blockbuster year for the popular venue.

The cinema, which welcomed more than 57,000 people through its doors last year, has recently secured £180,000 in funding from Stowmarket Town Council to increase seating by 25 per cent, build a café bar and refurbish the front of the building – with an extra £120,000 set aside to cover additional costs.

But it has now been revealed that an option of a second screen has been put on the table.

The Regal’s manager, David Marsh, said an extra screen would make a huge difference to the venue.

“It is something we have been looking at for quite a while,” he said. “When there are so many great films out, like at this time of year, it will mean we can show twice as many.It will also mean the popular shows such as the Stowmarket Operatic and Dramatic Society’s panto can be on the main stage, with films on the second.

“It is a win win project for us, for the people of Stowmarket, for people who entertain and for local societies.”

“It is fantastic news that things are moving forward with the expansion project.

“Admissions have grown year on year for the past eight years and we had well over 100 sell out performances in 2014.

“These works will help to ensure that the Regal continues to meet the needs of our loyal customers.”

Town council clerk David Blackburn said the council would be commissioning an architect and a structural engineer to look at the potential for a new screen and that a decision would be made later this year.

“We know how much the Regal Theatre means to local people and the town council is willing to invest in its future,” he said.