Cinema plans for Debenhams store unveiled

Five screens for a new cinema, and with the capability of seating 306 people and employing up to 30 people, have been planned for the empty Debenhams store in the Arc Shopping Centre, in Bury St Edmunds.

Bury WM Unit Trust has drawn up proposals for an Everyman Cinema in part of the basement at the former department store.

A planning application has been lodged with West Suffolk Council and says it plans to create four cinema screens with a fifth for private hire, as well as a small bar and restaurant area.

The largest screen will accommodate 104 customers, with the others comprising a 74-seat screen and two 48-seat screens.

The private hire space will cater for 32 viewers and is set to be open from 9am to 2.30am, Monday to Sunday, with limited exceptions to 3.30am for midnight screenings and blockbuster releases.

The plans are likely to be discussed by councillors some time in the coming months and the application says the cinema will “promote the vitality and viability of the town centre by securing a leisure and entertainment use within the primary shopping area.”