Fakenham Hollywood Central Cinema in Norfolk has been bought by Stevens Cinemas for an undisclosed sum.

Stevens Cinemas is a new company that was set up by Gary Stevens – who has previously worked as a manager for other cinema firms including ABC Cinemas and Apollo – in order to run his first venue.

“I have spent many years working in cinema for various operators and have a strong passion and desire to ultimately have the chance to do it for myself,” said Stevens.

“When [previous owner] Trevor Wicks agreed to the sale I was delighted. Stevens Cinemas puts the family name in lights as both my late parents actually met and married while working in the industry many years ago and it is a testament to them.”

The Hollywood Central Cinema, which will keep its name, was built in 1855 as the Corn Hall and also served as a magistrate’s court and a library.

It was converted into a 700-seat cinema in 1930 and was named the Central Cinema seven years later. After it closed in 1976 it became a bingo club until the 1990s, before becoming the Hollywood Cinema in 2000.