New bid to extend Majestic Cinema in King’s Lynn

Tower Street in King's Lynn in the 1960s. Picture: Archant library (Image: Archant)

Plans to extend the Majestic, on King's Lynn's Tower Street were unveiled in September.

But the proposals were withdrawn after officials expressed concerns about doors opening onto a highway.

Now the plans have been resubmitted, with a side door shown opening into a recessed porch.

Planning papers say that the extension will create a 120 new seats in a new extension off Sedgeford Lane.

Young cinema-goers at the Majestic in 1968. Picture: Archant libabry

A further 100 seats will be accommodated in a ground floor extension.

A design and access statement continues: 'These improvements to the building will also include repairs to the existing fabric to maintain the condition of the building and ensure its long-term viability.

'The new extension and internal alterations to the existing cinema will provide the town with a modern leisure facility, ensuring the viability of the cinema economically and ensuring the fabric of this prominent building will be maintained moving forward.' The 673-seat art deco Majestic has been in continual operation ever since it was opened at the heart of the silent movie era, in 1928.

The Grade II listed building is said to be one of King's Lynn's finest, surviving both Second World War German bombing raids and the modernisation of Lynn town centre during the 1960s and 70s. Its towering clock tower remains one of the pedestrianised town centre's most distinctive landmarks.

The Majestic's clock tower seen across the roof tops. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant)

In a heritage statement, its owner PDJ Management says: 'The cinema's success to date lies not only with the commitment of the operator to move with the times with regard to new technology but also the support it receives from local people.

'In a leisure industry where the consumer demands both choice and convenience it is vital the Majestic Cinema listens, reflects and acts upon the needs and wants of the consumer.'

The cinema's website says:

'The main attraction to the Majestic, beside its films, is the building itself and all the history that comes with it.'

Councillors on West Norfolk's planning committee are expected to discuss the application to extend it when they meet in the new year.