Published: Tuesday, 28th January 2020
A much-loved and historic venue in King’s Lynn will give people an extra reason to visit when major refurbishment and renovation work is completed.
Live shows return to the Alive Corn Exchange in March and, in the summer, a new two screen cinema will open at the site in the Tuesday Market Place.
As well as hosting regular live theatre, comedy and music in the main auditorium, visitors will be able to enjoy big screen releases in the upstairs cinema. There will be special screenings for parent and babies, parent and toddlers, Silver Screenings (for over 60 year olds) and family screenings at the weekend.
Comprehensive work is already taking place inside and outside the building. The glazed roof is being replaced with acoustically sealed zinc panels. Repairs are being made to the Grade II listed stonework façade, gutters and flashings.
A new floor will be put in the main foyer, with cladding of the box office and bar counters. The ground floor toilets will be refurbished, with additional female toilets.
A cinema box office and concessions kiosk will be created. A new staircase and lift will lead to the cinema foyer on the first floor. A two-screen digital cinema will be built in the currently under-used space in the upper foyer and front balcony. Screen one will have 58 seats and screen two will seat 52 people, with wheelchair provision for both screens.
Four new customer toilets and a disabled toilet are also being built on the first floor
Cllr Elizabeth Nockolds, deputy leader and cabinet portfolio holder for culture, heritage and health, said: “Following the most successful panto run ever, over 22 thousand people came and enjoyed the show, this is the perfect time to start this work.
“The Alive Corn Exchange will have a bright new look and the cinema will bring more people in to King’s Lynn who will hopefully stay for longer. This is a golden opportunity for the town.”
