Plans to extend Hollywood Cinema in Great Yarmouth and add outside terrace poised for approval

A bid to add a two-storey glass extension to Great Yarmouth's landmark Hollywood Cinema looks set for borough council approval at a meeting tonight.

If councillors agree with planning officers who have prepared a report ahead of the committee debate owner Peter Jay will be successful in his application.

The scheme seeks to add a new entrance on the eastern side with a restaurant, first floor bar area and outside terrace looking down the Golden Mile.

In the report officers say there have been no objections or comments from the public.

It says the proposal is 'broadly compliant' with core policies about tourism, and will improve the facade of the building.

Elsewhere the report states that the majority of the town, district and local centres, within the borough are performing well, despite the national economic downturn suggesting the town centre will be able to absorb any impact.

In summary it adds: 'The design following the revisions requested by the conservation officer is an enhancement to the seafront area while taking into account the architecturally important aspect of the building, its status within the conservation area and its prominent position.'

There will be no loss of seats or screens and the application allows for 18 parking spaces.

Previously Mr Jay, who also owns the Hippodrome, said the scheme will put the building back in its rightful place as one of the 'jewels in the crown of the East Coast, if not the whole country.'

The cinema opened as the Royal Aquarium in 1914 and later became a 2,000 seat theatre.

It became a full time cinema in 1931-4. It is now the Hollywood.

It is envisioned that the scheme will be self-funded by the owners and tenants and Mr Jay said he is looking for 'national and international' partners for the restaurant and bar areas.

The meeting is in the council chamber at the town hall at 6.30pm.