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New for an M store
The first piece of land for the construction of the former Embassy cinema in Tenterden has been donated to the Rockits Sensory nursery, which lately occupies a smaller unit on the High Street.
But to fill this space, it will want to raise £20,000 to allow skippers to expand the site.
Beth Whatman, who runs the sensory room, says the move is a big step forward, but admits it’s “pretty scary. “
“Our current owners have been incredibly supportive of us and have done so many things imaginable that perhaps we never would have dreamed of,” she said.
“We’re running with them to talk about the option of moving to a new and very giant house. There are a lot of projects, it’s very exciting, but we have a lot of money to raise to make it happen.
“So all the systems are working here in Tenterden and we’re doing everything we can to get the message across. “
Although the building is now surrounded by scaffolding, it is not yet clear what plans exist for the land from which it has remained empty since M
Plans were approved through Ashford City Council (ABC) in February for the construction of the embassy into a progression of seven mixed-use apartments with a smaller advertising area underneath.
The structural paintings of the apartments would have included the structure of a second floor, stairs and an elevator, as well as a rooftop balcony.
But now that Rockit Sensory has been presented with a space, it’s unclear if this task will continue.
Hazel Savage, who has lived in Tenterden for 20 years, believes the place deserves to be a cinema again.
“I think I would have brought a lot more people to Tenterden and I’m very disappointed that wasn’t the case.
“It would add to the nightlife, it’s possible that other people would have just gone to the cinema and then pubs. “
An ambitious repair order for a cinema in Tenterden abandoned in 2022 due to lack of a suitable location that may not be found.
Approved Plans for Site M
The proposal presented through ABC last month indicates that it has been difficult to find a suitor after the closure of the fashion chain.
Deborah Theobald, who has worked at Tenterden for 33 years, believes the vacancy offers a wonderful opportunity for the city’s smaller retailers.
“It’s better to use it than not to use it and it would have been great to have a cinema in the community, but I’m not sure it’s viable,” she said.
“I think small independent businesses are compatible with this high street.
“It makes things different and that’s one explanation for why other people come to Tenterden. “
Christopher Long, 65, a resident of Pluckley, who is visiting Tenterden, agrees: “The shopping streets are dying and anything that invigorates them is a smart thing to do. “
Learn more about making requests for plans that apply to you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.
The Embassy Cinema opened in 1937 with an 800-seat auditorium and screened the first film Windbag the Sailor, starring Will Hay and Graham Moffatt.
The last screening took place on 10 December 1969, the last time a cinema operated permanently in Tenterden.
Rockits Sensory has already raised £14,000 of its £20,000 target.
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