MINEHEAD’s new three-screen Avenue Cinema is all set to open its doors on Friday, April 8 - nearly two-and-a-half years after planning permission was granted - owners Pat and Beryl Scott confirmed this week.
Building work to convert the derelict former Lifesytyle Warehouse discount store next to the Regal Theatre into a family entertainment centre with three cinema screens, started in January 2020 but progress was halted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was hoped the new cinema complex would be in business by Easter last year but circumstances meant the opening had to be postponed.
Mr Scott, who with his wife runs cinemas in Burnham-on-Sea and Frome, said work to finish the Minehead project was now going full speed ahead. He added: "Had it not been for the pandemic we would have been up and running by now.
"I can’t wait for the work to be finished and to get the place opened."
The massive reconstruction involved stripping the building down to the bare walls, removing and replacing the roof, and building three luxury auditoriums from scratch.
The basic structure is now reaching completion and specialist workmen are fitting the screens, seats and other equipment. Two of the cinemas will each accommodate 60 people and the third 112.
Mr Scott told the Free Press: "Our intended date to open to the public is Friday, April 8, with an official opening three or four weeks later. We like to open quietly so that we can get things right and then have a proper opening night with all the local dignitaries.
"I have never had such wonderful support for any other project. Everyone seems thrilled that the cinema is coming back to Minehead and say it could bring new life back to the town. I have been dreaming of this project for a long time.
"My plan is to bring back old-fashioned cinema service that made going to the pictures such an event when we were young."
Mr Scott said there had originally been some concern about the two cinema facilities being close but they catered for very different clientele. "We now have a very good relationship with the Regal and I am sure we will be a great asset to each other."
Major work on the building included replacing the leaking asbestos-clad roof with copper-green panels and transforming the massive store space into three cinemas. The exterior, fronting the Avenue, will be renovated but not basically changed in style.
Mr Scott was originally told about the empty store by Minehead Mayor Paul Bolton, who said: "Pat fell in love with the building and thought it would be perfect for his project. It’s an excellent centre-of-town location and next to a car park. It ticks all the boxes."