Palace Cinema, Felixstowe

Cultural Building Redevelopment Plan

We’ve been investigating the cultural potential of this Cinema and Bingo Hall in Suffolk

The Palace Cinema has been a key entertainment venue in Felixstowe since it opened in 1937. Over the years many building alterations have been made as technology and audiences expectations changed.  What was once a large auditorium with a raised seating circle has been subdivided with two screens on the upper level and a bingo hall at ground.

When the building came to market there was a fear the town may lose its only cinema.  Felixstowe Town Council publicly expressed an interest in purchasing the building for the town. The Mayor of Felixstowe, Cllr Corrine Franklin released a statement which said

‘The Palace Cinema has been part of Felixstowe’s cultural and social fabric for generations. We recognise its importance to our community and the potential value it could bring if preserved and enhanced as a venue for culture, leisure, and community use’

To assist the council in their decision making we produced a series of drawings to help them navigate the buildings cultural and development opportunities. Our plan suggests a phased approach to refurbishment which delivers a multi-use, flexible cultural venue for the town and surrounding areas.

Our proposal is in three phases:

Phase 01 : Renovate the interior, taking it back to its former glory, transforming the Bingo Hall to create a multi-use space (that still hosts the Bingo) whilst providing a far wider programme of uses. This would include an improved entrance foyer with a café bar serving the public and cinema goers through the day and evening.

Phase 02 : Extend upwards above the existing single storey structure to provide accommodation for small business, startups, and artist studios.

Phase 03 : Construct an entertainment and exhibition space centred around a new wintergarden with tourist accommodation above.
 
Fortunately the vendor removed the building from the market and has continued to operate the Cinema and Bingo Hall. This has meant the Town Council hasn’t had to step in.

But should the building be put up for sale again we have a strategy ready for its redevelopment.