PLANS for Minehead’s new three-screen cinema came to life this week when owners Pat and Beryl Scott released the first images of the new venture, which could be open to the public by Easter.

Building work is scheduled to start in January to turn the former Lifestyle Warehouse building next to the Regal Theatre into a family entertainments centre called The Avenue Cinema.

Planning permission was granted in September for three cinemas – one for 112 patrons and two for 60 each.

The Scotts have run Burnham-on-Sea-based S&B Cinemas for 14 years and already operate cinemas in Burnham and Frome.

“I have never had such wonderful support for any other project,” Mr Scott told the Free Press. “Everyone seems thrilled that a cinema is coming back to Minehead and say that it could bring new life back to the town.

“My plan is to bring back old-fashioned cinema service – usherettes taking people to their seats and serving ice cream – that made going to the pictures such an event when we were young.

“Our prices will be old-fashioned too – only £4 for a night out.”

Minehead has been without a commercial cinema since Butlin’s closed the one its site to the public in 2017. Since then, the Regal Film Society showings have been the town’s only movie outlet.

Mr Scott said that initially there had been some concern about

the two cinema facilities being so close.

“We cater for very different clientele,” Mr Scott said. “In fact, we have a very good relationship with the Regal and I am sure we will be a great asset to each other.”

Phil Abraham, senior architect of Highbridge-based LED Architects, said the first major job would be to replace the leaking roof and asbestos cladding with copper-green panels.

“The place will become a building site next week and no-one will be allowed in until the asbestos is removed by a specialist team.”

He added: “The greatest challenge is the structure. Apart from the roof, we don’t know what is under the floor – it was once a dance hall – but the external appearance of the front of the building will remain largely unchanged.”

Mr Scott was originally told about the empty store by Minehead district councillor and deputy mayor Cllr Paul Bolton, who said: “Pat fell in love with the building and thought it would be perfect for his project.

“It is brilliant for Minehead. We have needed something like this for a long time and it should have a real economic benefit.

“It’s an excellent centre of town location and next to a car park. It ticks all the boxes.”

Cllr Bolton added: “On a personal note, my father was the projectionist in a London West End cinema, which was where he met my mother who was an ice cream girl. So it’s not surprising I love the movies!”

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