BUSINESS leaders believe Royston’s new community cinema, which opens tonight (Friday) will boost the town’s economy.

As revealed in the Crow last week, the 134-seat cinema, named The Royston Picture Palace, is due to open at Royston Town Hall, with the first film on the schedule sci-fi blockbuster Iron Man 3.

The project has been funded jointly by Royston Town Council, who refurbished the town hall to accommodate the cinema, and the Royston First business improvement district company, which bought the cinema equipment and seating.

A spokesman for Royston First said: “The Royston First committee sees the cinema as a vital resource for Royston, encouraging in visitors from the outlying villages as well as the town itself who are looking for a great evening’s entertainment without the need to travel to Cambridge or Stevenage.

“It is also a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to prosper and it is hoped that cinema-goers will enjoy a pre or post-film drink or meal at one of Royston’s many pubs and restaurants just a few minutes’ walk from the cinema.”

Royston’s town centre manager Geraint Burnell added: “The Picture Palace is a great success story for Royston and we hope that this achievement will inspire towns in other parts of the country to consider similar projects for their own communities”.

Films will be shown at the cinema every Friday and Saturday night, and this Saturday, June 22, crime drama The Place Beyond The Pines is being shown.

All films start at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £6.50 for adults or £5.50 for seniors and under 16s. They can be purchased in person in advance from Royston Library, at the venue on the night – subject to availability – or online at www.roystonpicturepalace.org.uk

Movie fans are also encouraged to like the Picture Palace on Facebook, via www.facebook.com/roystonpicturepalace, or follow the cinema’s Twitter feed, @roystonpicturep