A HUGE £500,000 revamp has started to turn Clacton’s Century Cinema into a top facility for movie-lovers.

Work has started on a major project to give film fans in the town a luxury experience at the Pier Avenue cinema.

Both screens will be completely reconfigured and work has already started on screen one.

Its capacity will drop to about 400, but the extra space will be used to install new high-backed leather seats and give punters more leg room.

Premium seating areas will also be added and the front seating will be tiered to give people a better a view.

New luxury seats will be installed in screen two too and the sightlines will be improved.

Both rooms will also be fitted with bigger screens and new sound systems.

Bosses say the massive revamp will put Clacton’s movie-going experience on a par with the top cinemas in the country – but have pledged to keep prices the same.

Managing director Adam Cunard said: “Work has already started and we are putting half a million pounds into it.

“There is a lot of wasted space at the moment so we want to make much better use of it.

“We are going to have really comfortable leather seating and it will really give people in Clacton a luxury experience.

“Screen two will go down to 80 seats but it will be so much better in there with the new seats and better views.

“It will be a whole new experience and it is very exciting.”

The cinema will also be redecorated and new toilets will be installed.

Work on screen one is due to be completed by the May half term, when work will start on screen two.

The cinema will remain open with reduced capacities while the revamp is carried out.

Mr Cunard added: “We wanted to create the best facilities possible for people. We have been so well supported here over the past three years.

“It will provide an incredible experience but we won’t be changing the price.”