Bovey Tracey to get new cinema

Sixteenth-century pub "saved" two years ago will be replaced by arts centre

If Henry the Eighth were alive today, would he be turning in his grave? Or would the famous music-lover applaud what's to be done to a Devon Tudor public house?

 A new 118-seat cinema and arts complex is to be built on the site of the King of Prussia pub in the town's Fore Street.

More than £288,000 was raised last year to acquire the derelict grade II-listed boozer, which closed 10 years ago. 

Now the group behind the project, Bovey Tracey Paradiso Arts, is set to transform it into a new cultural centre, complete with a glass atrium cafe/bar, art gallery and studio, plus a medium-sized film auditorium. Planning permission has been granted for the conversion. Chairman Tony Pearce says: “We are now moving forward to get the appropriate approvals for starting the demolition, which also involves having archaeologists on site to oversee the works. This is a major step in achieving the community’s dream of seeing this ancient building revived as the King of Prussia Arts Centre.”