Published: Tuesday, 15th September 2020
People will soon be able to enjoy big screen releases in the upstairs cinema at the Alive Corn Exchange which is scheduled to open on Friday 25 September.
For the last few months the iconic venue in King’s Lynn has been undergoing major refurbishment and renovation work. The scaffolding has now been taken down and work is nearly complete on the building in the Tuesday Market Place.
Cllr Brian Long, Chair of the Alive West Norfolk board and Leader of the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, said: “The Corn Exchange is one of the jewels in King’s Lynn’s crown that brings people in to town from all over west Norfolk and beyond.
“The formerly under-used upstairs space has been converted into a two-screen 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. It’s another great reason to come in to town.”
The digital cinema has been built in the space in the upper foyer and front balcony. Screen one has 58 seats and screen two can seat 52 people, with wheelchair provision for both screens. The cinema box office and concessions kiosk are also in place. A new staircase and lift lead to the cinema foyer on the first floor.
Cllr Elizabeth Nockolds, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio holder for Culture, Heritage and Health, added: “Alive Corn Exchange has had to close their doors for the last six months but has made good use of that time by completely renovating the building and installing a new two-screen cinema.
“I was pleased to see local businesses, including the Majestic Cinema and King’s Lynn Cinema Club support this development, as they recognise this offers additional entertainment for people coming in to King’s Lynn town centre.
“The Alive West Norfolk team are following government Covid-secure guidance so people can visit the venue with confidence and enjoy sitting back with a tub of popcorn while watching some big screen entertainment.”
The first film to be shown at the new cinema will be The Personal History of David Copperfield, which was partly filmed in King's Lynn.