Felixstowe Town Council has begun exploring the potential acquisition of the Palace Cinema, one of the town’s most recognisable cultural landmarks.
At an Extraordinary Council Meeting on 29 July 2025, Members agreed to begin a process of due diligence, including commissioning surveys, valuations and legal advice, to assess the viability of acquiring the building.
Mayor of Felixstowe, Cllr Corrine Franklin, said:
"The Palace Cinema has been part of Felixstowe’s cultural and social fabric for generations. We recognise its importance to our community and the potential value it could bring if preserved and enhanced as a venue for culture, leisure, and community use. While no decision has been made to purchase the building, the Council feels it has a duty to explore this opportunity seriously and with care."
The Council will be engaging with the vendor, their agents, and potential partners as part of the process.
Subject to the outcome of these discussions and the findings of the due diligence work, a full business case will be presented to Council before any decision is made on whether to proceed with a formal offer.
"This is the start of a process — not the end," added Mayor Franklin. "We want to ensure that any decision we make is in the long-term interests of Felixstowe and its residents."