Plans to enable The Rex Cinema to be brought back to life have been approved by Cheshire East Council.
The Mundin family have been granted planning permission to change the use of 23 Alderley Road and the first floor of 17 to 21 Alderley Road from a shop to leisure use so they can restore The Rex Cinema. The building was converted into a shop in 1996 and occupied by the MultiYork showroom.
The Mundin family business, Rex Cinema Wilmslow Limited, has taken a lease of the Rex cinema for fifteen years to operate a two-screen cinema, showing two or three films each day.
Their plans include re-instating the original balcony area after major refurbishment to create a much-improved viewing and seating experience, fully refurbishing the entrance and creating a box office foyer. Additionally a second brand new screen will be created in the ballroom area on the first floor.
Amanda Mundin explained "Where we are able, within the constraints of the existing building, we intend to make the site as inclusive as possible for people with disabilities."
A disabled toilet will be installed as part of the refurbishment along with a lift, which Wilmslow Town Council has agreed to fund 50% of the costs of, will be accessed from the rear of the building. This will enable the first floor foyer the box office, bar, screen two, cafe seating area and toilet will all be completely accessible by wheelchair.
The scheme also included completely refurbishing the first floor of the building whilst keeping the existing stairs, stepped facade and glass doors.
Screen One will contain around 150 seats offering three seating categories: standard, luxury and sofas for two. Whilst the new Screen Two will contain 62 seats along with space for two wheelchairs.
The intended opening hours are from 5pm to midnight Monday to Friday, 10am to midnight on Saturdays and 1pm to 10pm on Sundays and bank holidays.
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