A SECOND cinema screening room will be added to the historic home of Penistone Paramount - just months after roof replacement work safeguarded its long-term future.
Penistone Town Hall - which houses the cinema - had suffered numerous leaks, pushing Barnsley Council to remove and entirely replace the roof.
Now, preparatory works are being done to continue the iconic venue’s upgrade by adding a second screening room with seating for up to 50, including accessible wheelchair spaces.
Introducing this extra capacity would mean the Paramount could offer blockbuster film releases similar to other multi-screen cinemas.
It would allow two films to be screened simultaneously and enable the cinema to offer a more diverse range of screenings such as National Theatre Live and smaller independent films.
The works, which are subject to planning and funding approval, would see the cinema’s facilities improved throughout, with a new cafe, bar, box office and concession stand located in the front section of the Shrewsbury Road building.
Planned redecoration of the public areas are also said to be in keeping with the period features of the historic building, including retaining the coloured stained glass roof light as a focal point.
Subject to planning permission and the sign-off of final designs and costs, work will begin next year.
Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “The Paramount is a jewel in Penistone’s crown and it already has a great reputation with film fans.
“These plans show our vision for making this historic venue even more welcoming and encouraging Penistone residents and people from further afield to visit and enjoy it for themselves.
“They also demonstrate our commitment to investing in valued community facilities as part of our mission to enable everyone in Barnsley to enjoy memorable cultural experiences.
“We are working with the cinema’s operators, Penistone Town Council, to bring forward these plans.
“We safeguarded Penistone Town Hall for the future when we commissioned Barnsley-based specialist contractors MAM Roofing to completely replace the roof.
“The building, which dates back to the 1910s, had previously suffered from leaks.
“The next phase of the project aims to provide a modern, comfortable cinema experience, strengthening the Paramount’s status as a landmark visitor destination.”
Cash from the ‘Principal Towns and Local Centres’ programme - which has already benefited multiple locations across the borough - will fund the work.
Coun David Greenhough, chair of the Penistone Area Council, added: “Following the roofing repairs, it’s great to see the plans for the next phase of the town hall’s transformation.
“Upgrading the cinema facilities to add a second screen and the creation of a new cafe and bar area will make this special venue even more appealing.
“It will hopefully bring more people to Penistone to see what our wonderful town has to offer.”
A Penistone Town Council statement said: "We always welcome investment into Penistone, and we’re particularly keen to progress the long overdue renovation of the town hall and expansion of Penistone Paramount.
“We have been pushing Barnsley Council for installation of a potentially transformative second screen for too many years.
"However with this exciting opportunity also comes increased risks for the town council and the Paramount itself, and so it needs to be undertaken on terms that allow this fantastic community asset to grow and thrive.
“We are in ongoing negotiations with Barnsley Council on those terms."
