Inside Ipswich's abandoned Odeon cinema

A cinema that has stood empty for nearly 15 years is set to begin a transformation into a church.

The art-deco style former Odeon building in Ipswich was constructed in 1991 but closed its doors in 2005.

In May, Ipswich Borough Council approved plans for Hope Church, based in Fore Hamlet in the town, to move in.

Much of the cinema had been left untouched, with original fittings and decor remaining, ahead of work beginning to convert it.

Church pastor Tom Scrivens said services could be held there by Christmas.

"We're excited about what it will be in the months to come. It's got enormous potential," he said.

Mr Scrivens said all the seating had been removed but there was still popcorn in an old dispenser when they first got on site.

He said the 200-seat auditorium downstairs was going to be a children's work space for Sundays and the 700-seat auditorium upstairs would become the main room for worship.

The old Screen 4 will be used for church services for up to 200 people, while the old Screen 5 will become two rooms.

Mr Scrivens said: "We're really excited about the developments that are planned for this area.

"We're looking forward to this part of town growing and developing and we'll be part of that, which is exciting."

A cafe open to the public, two auditoriums for congregations and separate rooms for children's workshops and activities, office space, events and conferences are included in the plans.

The building, which once had five cinema screens, was sold in 2014 for £530,000.

An application was lodged in 2006 for multi-leisure use to create a nightclub, bowling alley and restaurants, but this never came to fruition.

The 2017 local plan had designated it for leisure use, but it was considered by planning officers that a place of worship was acceptable.

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