A CINEMA is the most important part of a £3.5m plan to revamp Abingdon’s Guildhall, according to residents.

The results of a public survey conducted by the town council found 94 per cent of the 230 people asked were keen for the scheme to go ahead.

The project would include a new 100-seat cinema and modern open-plan layout.

Extra designs for the renovation were also revealed by architects this week.

The scheme includes a renovation of Abbey Hall, with new theatre seating for 150 to 200 people and a cafe-bar with an outdoor terrace.

Almost half of the people questioned – 49 per cent – said the cinema plan was the most important aspect to them, while another third considered both it and the theatre to be key.

Town councillor and Guildhall committee chairman Iain Littlejohn said: “They have overwhelmingly come back saying they do want the cinema, which is good. It’s what we thought, but you never know until you do a full consultation.”

Among names suggested for the cinema by residents were The Abingdon Picturehouse, Abingdon Phoenix, The MG Suite and The Radiohead Room.