A former cinema in Longridge could become a children’s play centre and café if plans are approved.
An application has been lodged with Ribble Valley Borough Council by Laura Harrison of Little Worlds, Waddington, to convert the vacant Palace cinema, Market Place, Longridge, which has stood empty for several years.
If approved, the building would be adapted to create a role play centre for children aged up to seven.
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In the planning statement, it says: “The main play centre area will occupy the former auditorium of the cinema and will be equipped for play suitable for children aged two to seven years.
“A seating area for adults accompanying the children with tables and chairs at the side of the play area. The existing entrance area doors from the street into the auditorium are to be altered to allow light into the building.”
In a separate document associated with the application, more information is provided about the nature of the proposed play centre.
It states: “Little Worlds Development and Role Play Centre is designed to inspire children through imaginative play within themed, child-scale environments. Each room or zone replicates a familiar setting — for example, a palace, market stalls, performing arts theatre, arts and crafts area, construction workshop, allowing children to explore real-world roles through pretend play.”
Various attempts have been made down the years to save the cinema and to revive it, but they all sadly failed.
The full application can be viewed here: Planning Application – Ribble Valley Borough Council
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