'Amazing' Devon building to be brought back to life

How the restored Paignton Picture House could look

Plans to restore a historic building in Paignton have reached the next stage. The plans to revamp Paignton Picture House are part of a huge project to invest in the town.

The cinema, thought to Agatha Christie’s favourite, was first opened in 1914 but has been out of use since it closed in 1999. When plans were submitted last year, finally proposing to bring it back to life, the application was overwhelmingly supported by those who responded.

One said: “In the time of living here to see this amazing building come back to life would be an absolute delight to not only local residents but far and wide. To be put back on the map as a must-see place when visiting the area. I would be a frequent visitor and welcome it being opened.”

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It’s hoped that the refreshed cinema could throw open its doors as soon as 2025. It forms a major part of Paignton’s Future High Streets project which received millions of government funding, which must be spent by March this year.

The restoration is a joint project between Torbay Council, Paignton Picture House Trust, South Devon College, the board of Torbay Culture and the Agatha Christie Festival.

Initial plans were approved last year and further details have now been unveiled as planners approach the next stage. A three-storey extension on the building, the addition of solar panels, demolition of internal walls for a café and seating area, increased toilet provision and new meeting spaces are all proposed.

The proposals suggest that the building’s historic character will be maintained, with as much old auditorium seating to be used as possible and a focus on natural lighting in the foyer areas. There will be some accessibility improvements, with new external ramps and steps and sightlines are to be improved in the auditoriums, which will have larger but fewer seats.

The latest application is for the removal of mesh to the roof at the south end of the auditorium and alterations to the plant room, meaning restoration work could begin soon.