Like many towns across the country, Marlborough once had a cinema.

It closed down over 40 years ago and is now a Waitrose.

But that is about to change, as work has begun on a new cinema in the town, in an old and disused chapel.

Work is rapidly progressing on site at The Parade Cinema with the former chapel and manse buildings being cleared at the town centre location.

In August, full planning permission and Listed Building Consent were granted for build, which is on the site of the old United Reformed Chapel.

"We hope that in the not too distant future, life will bright, safe and sociable again," said Robert Hiscox, Chairman of Image Cinema.

“Marlborough hasn’t had a cinema for over 40 years, and is crying out for a place to gather, watch good films and meet friends."

Mini diggers have cleared away years of debris and the former chapel and manse have been connected for the first time, with large open spaces being created by linking the two buildings and removing the chimney, and moving the staircase in the manse.

The chapel, built in 1817, will house the foyer and a state-of-the-art single screen auditorium with 112 seats including a balcony level.

The adjoining manse will be transformed into a bar & café with seating area on both the ground floor and upstairs rooms.

“The support from the community and from investors for the new cinema has been extraordinarily positive and generous, making all the hard work of the team feel even more worthwhile," said Robert.

"The cinema landscape is evolving and presenting a huge opportunity for venues like ours.

"With many blockbuster releases delayed until 2021, the film line-up once we open will be spectacular.

"In the meantime, many smaller British and independent film titles are more widely accessible, and audiences are preferring the experience of local, more intimate cinema venues to the standard multiplexes”.

He explained that there is an opportunity be part of the history and story of this project by sponsoring a seat in the auditorium.

Film buffs can have a named seat for £500 as well as a year's free membership, giving access to early booking, discounts on tickets, food and drink as well as newsletters, film news and more.

The group is now starting to crew up to get the cinema up and running next year and is asking people with a passion for great films to get in touch.

"We have a committed team in place – all working hard to get this project through to completion," said Robert.

Further information can be found at www.theparadecinema.com.