King's Lynn Corn Exchange cinema screens may start screenings in September, council panel told
New cinema screens being installed at a Lynn theatre could show their first films this autumn following delays caused by coronavirus, councillors have heard today.
The project at the town's Corn Exchange was originally due to have been completed last month, but has been hampered by the pandemic.
And a revised schedule for the scheme was outlined during a meeting of West Norfolk Council's regeneration and development panel this afternoon.
Officer Mark Fuller told members the scheme was now expected to be completed in mid-August with the screens potentially opening to the public in early September.
He acknowledged that an opening date would depend on any updated government guidance.
But he added: "Speaking to Corn Exchange management yesterday, they did say they felt they could open the cinema with social distancing measures, together with the bar and the box office.
"Clearly that remains subject to change."
Mr Fuller said the initial phase of the works was completed on time in early March and project contractors had been "proactive" in ensuring a continued presence on the site during the pandemic and working to prevent further delays.
He added that both sides had agreed in principal not to claim additional costs from each other for the extension time for completing the scheme.
The project was developed in a bid to find what council chiefs see as a better, and more productive use of the first floor of the building.
Heritage and community groups have expressed doubts about its viability, particularly with an established cinema, the Majestic, already operating in the town centre.
But panel chairman Judy Collingham said it was "encouraging" that the project was still proceeding.
She said: "Hopefully, by September, we will at least be only at a one metre social distance and it will give the town in the short term a much needed fillip, something we can all look forward to and see some progress being made.
"We do need to see some positive news."
