AMBITIOUS plans to preserve a historic cinema for the next century have taken a step closer to reality thanks to a £51,000 cash boost.

The Harwich Electric Palace Trust has been working hard to raise the money needed to fund major works at the 105-year-old cinema in Kings Quay Street.

The major refurbishment will see the ceiling of the Grade II listed building restored to a “high standard” in keeping with its decorative features.

Works will cost upward of £750,000, with £51,000 granted by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

To repair deterioration of the ceiling as quickly as possible, the trust has applied for a further £653,000.

David Looser, chairman of the trust, said: “We’re delighted the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support.

“The Electric Palace has been an important venue for film and live entertainment in Harwich since we reopened the cinema for business in 1981.

“The building is now 105 years old and it’s great to know that we are a step closer to preserving it for another century.”

Hollywood star Clive Owen, who is the cinema’s patron, launched a public appeal for additional funding in July last year.

At the launch he said while the Electric Palace continued to prosper, the building faced an uncertain future due to problems with the ceiling.

Trustees say the launch got off to a flying start, raising £2,500, with further fundraising events to be held this year.

Works will be spread over three phases and are expected to take around four years.

Colin Crawford, Electric Palace trustee, added: “What will emerge at the end of this project will be a safely repaired and attractively re-decorated auditorium and external façade.

“Some areas of the building which were added after the original works in 1911 but never fully finished will be surveyed and then completed.

“There will also be further upgrading of the seating and toilets.”

To donate to the appeal for funds, use sort code 40-19-43 and account number 81379224 and reference HEPT Roof Appeal.