Much-missed community cinema in Witney is to be reopened

Witney Town Council has recently invested in a large screen and theatre quality sound system as part of the Corn Exchange refit as an arts centre.

Over the past 12 months, new tiered seating has been put in which has helped transform the building into a community performance hub.

Now the intention is to run a new Film Club with regular screenings in the near future.

It will be run by Witney Town Council and the Corn Exchange.

Many film buffs remember fondly John Richard who used to run Screen on the Square until it closed in 2012.

The Corn Exchange Cinema opened in November 1992 and was initially operated by City Screen Ltd.

It was taken over by Witney Screen Ltd who operated it from 1995 until 1997 when it was closed.

It re-opened later in 1997 under the independent ownership of Mr Richard and was renamed Screen @ the Square.

The community cinema had one screen and 207 seats.

Performers and audiences have been welcomed throughout the refit of the Corn Exchange with occasional closures for the completion of some of the work.

The opening ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this month fittingly marked the 160th anniversary of the building.

A packed season of events is already lined up for the forthcoming months.

Do you remember the old film showings at the Corn Exchange? Get in touch with your memories.

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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

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