Boost for cinema fans (From Evesham Journal)

Boost for cinema fans

7:57am Monday 5th November 2007 in News

CINEMA fans in Evesham have received a boost with the news that a lottery grant of more than a quarter of a million pounds could lead to the reopening of the town's Regal Cinema.

Up to £200,000 more could come from Wychavon District Council, Advantage West Midlands and English Heritage.

Wychavon Heritage Manager Jim Burgin said it was hoped some of the funding could be used to assist in the restoration and reopening of the Regal Cinema "which is seen as a catalyst to the regeneration of this part of Evesham."

He added: "This is fantastic news for Port Street and Evesham following on from the devastation caused by the recent flooding.

"When this happened before at Easter 1998, it was many years before we were able to provide direct assistance to the affected properties.

"Now we will be able to assist in the repair and restoration of a further 20 historic properties and help get businesses and homes back up and running in this part of town."

The council will now begin work on a development plan which will involve the input from local businesses and residents in the Port Street area and pave the way for a three-year project which, if it receives the final go-ahead, will begin in 2008.