FULL planning permission and Listed Building Consent have been granted for The Parade Cinema in Marlborough.

The project, on the site of the old United Reformed Chapel has gone through with around 200 letters of support to Wiltshire Council.

"We hope that in the not too distant future, life will bright, safe & sociable again," said Robert Hiscox, Chairman of Image Cinema.

“Marlborough hasn’t had a cinema for over 40 years, and is crying out for a place to gather, watch good films and meet friends.

"We hope to start work in early September on both the Chapel and The Manse."

The group is now starting to crew up to get the cinema up and running next year and is asking people with a passion for great films to get in touch.

"We have a committed team in place – all working hard to get this project through to completion," said Robert.

"Tim Lawson is the Project Manager working alongside Hiscox Parladé Architects. Claire Beswick is on cinema set up and Caroline Wrench is an expert in catering and customer experience including marketing.

"Our plan is to bring an independent, community-focused cinema, bar & cafe to the heart of Marlborough – we want to create a friendly, informal & sociable place for everyone to enjoy."

The Chapel, built in 1817, will house a state-of-the-art single screen auditorium with 112 seats including a balcony level.

The Manse next door will be transformed into a bar & café with seating area and be a great place to gather. In time, this space will be converted into a 48- cover restaurant serving fresh, seasonal and delicious food.

Like many towns across the country, Marlborough once had a cinema.

It closed down over 40 years ago and is now Waitrose.

For more information please get in touch : hello@theparadecinema.com