NEW plans for the future of Abingdon Guildhall have been unveiled which promise a cafe and bar area, cinema projector unit and new entrance.

The historic 15th century building closed at the end of August so renovations to lower the main hall’s ceiling and improve soundproofing could begin.

Plans for a cinema projector and regenerating the 1960s modern extension to the Guildhall were still being finalised when the closure began.

But architects have now revealed new plans for the building, which Guildhall committee vice-chairman Mike Badcock said will make it a social hub for the town.

Mr Badcock said: “This is a big thing for the centre of the town – when the cafe is there it will be a proper walkthrough and attract people into the area.

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“New community space is something that is lacking in the town centre. These plans now look very viable and affordable.

“Our main concern is getting the acoustics right – we have got to sort it out.”

The new plans include soundproofing the Abbey Hall with a lowered ceiling and moving the stage from one end to the other.

The relocation of the stage will free up storage space, which could be converted into two new community rooms as well as a café and bar on the ground floor.

The current entrance will be removed and a new ground-floor entrance with a terraced seating area and public piazza will be created to improve access to the complex.

Other proposals include installing a projector and screen which Mr Badcock said could be used to show films or for slides at council and other meetings.

Proposals for a two-screen, 100-seater cinema emerged in 2013, but the town council rejected bidders over fears the project would go beyond its £1.2m budget.

At a private meeting in June, the council turned down an unknown number of private bids to create a two-screen cinema and arts hub at the historic building It has instead commissioned architects to draw up and cost new plans to regenerate the building, which are expected to be unveiled later this month.

Mr Badcock confirmed there will not be a “full cinema” installed in the Guildhall, although there could be racked seating built in the Abbey Hall.

He said the seating, which can be pulled out into tiers or stored at the back of the hall, will allow for different kinds of events including weddings or meetings of sports groups and children's clubs.

Mr Badcock added: “We will get a projector and a screen in.

"A big cinema is not going to happen but there are options for new spaces.”

Architects are now costing the plans, before they are presented to councillors.