Revamp for Dereham cinema visited by William and Harry

The Orion Cinema has been a fixture of the town's Market Place for more than 100 years.

It first opened in November 1924 and has become a popular hotspot among locals over the years.

The venue has even had a brush with royalty, with the future king and his brother paying a visit with friends in 2003 to see the final instalment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Orion Cinema is due to undergo a revamp after plans were approved (Image: Newsquest)

Plans for the site put forward by Mr Alexander Begg earlier this year will see a number of works being carried out to the building.

This will see the aluminium entrance doors removed and replaced with a bespoke timber entrance that is more consistent with the architectural character of the venue.

Other proposals include replacing the existing signage above the entrance as well as removing a steel balcony above the entrance, where it is confirmed that it "no longer serves an operational purpose".

A design and access statement with the application said the revamp was considered to "preserve and modestly enhance the character and significance" of the Grade II listed building.

The statement added that the works will "support the continued safe and viable use of the cinema".

Among the works include installing new entrance doors and signage (Image: Newsquest)

The building was constructed in 1857 as the town's Corn Exchange, before being converted into a 700-seat cinema.

In the 1960s, the premises underwent another major transformation, with the installation of a floor and a bingo hall.

The venue became known as Orion Cinema in 2019 after the previous owner - Hollywood Cinema - collapsed into administration.

The proposals have been approved by Breckland Council.

The plans can be viewed in full on the council's planning portal, using the reference: PL/2026/0364/LB.