The search for a new venue to accommodate a cinema in Abingdon is now under way.

Ian and Sue Wiper opened the cinema at the town's Guildhall in 2018 after some initial screenings at the Unicorn Theatre and it has been a popular attraction ever since.

In the summer it was feared the cinema could close as talks regarding the refurbishment of the Guildhall dragged on. 

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But then an agreement was reached between the Wipers and the town council and a two-year lease for the cinema was signed.

This will mean the 170-seat cinema with nine-metre projection screen can remain until September 2025, when it will have to leave so that a major refurbishment of the Guildhall can begin.

Oxford Mail: The Guildhall in Abingdon

Town councillor Neil Fawcett said the town council was very keen to ensure that Abingdon retained a boutique cinema.

He added: "The town council is committed to continuing to support cinema provision in Abingdon town centre and we will support any realistic option that delivers it.

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"We are looking at several options for a cinema for when the Guildhall is closed, and one option might be to go back to the Unicorn Theatre, on a temporary basis.

"Abingdon School's Amey Theatre is also a good venue close to the town centre but it wouldn't be available every night as the school has its own programme of activities."

Mr Fawcett said he estimated the Guildhall refurbishment could cost about £700,000.

Oxford Mail: Work will include replacing the roof, improving the foyer, improving access for the disabled, and boosting energy efficiency for Abbey Hall where the cinema is based.

It is not yet known how long the refurbishment will take but once it is completed the council's "very strong wish", according to Mr Fawcett, is for the venue to be used for "cinema plus music, or cinema plus theatre".

Oxford Mail:

When the lease was signed in October town council leader Jim Halliday said at the time: "The Abbey Cinema will continue to pay a fair rent for the building with a discount that recognises the good work they do for the local community.

“As I said at the special town meeting we held in May, I am a passionate believer that there should be a cinema in Abingdon, so I am very pleased we have come to an agreement.”

He hasn't commented further.

Sue Wiper, who also runs the Regal Cinema in Evesham, wasn't available for comment.

The Abbey Cinema has been showing box office hits, combined with some independent films.

Its presence in the town means people don't have to travel to Didcot, Oxford or elsewhere to see a movie at the cinema.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

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