After more than three decades without a cinema, the Somerset market town of Wincanton once again has a place to watch films on the big screen and CinemaNext is proud to have played a central role in making it happen.
The Plaza cinema, on South Street, opened its doors on 13 February 2026, with the first customers settling in to watch Zootopia 2 on opening day. The venue is operated by S&B Cinemas, the independent chain run by Pat Scott, which has built a well-regarded reputation for bringing quality cinema experiences to smaller Somerset towns through venues in Frome, Burnham-on-Sea and Minehead.
The building itself carries a remarkable history. The original Plaza Cinema opened on 22nd November 1934, built and operated by Marks Circuit Cinemas Ltd. Despite its modest seating capacity, it boasted a stage with a fly tower and dressing rooms. It was converted to a bingo hall in 1970, briefly returned to film screenings in 1989, then closed in 1992 before being taken over by Wincanton Community Church in 1999, remaining vacant since 2014. When S&B Cinemas secured the Art Deco building and began conversion work, the challenge was considerable - not just a refit, but a full restoration of a building that had spent decades serving purposes far removed from cinema.
CinemaNext was appointed to supply and install the projection, sound and automation technology across all three screens. Two screens opened in February 2026, with the third expected to follow in the summer, pending additional structural works required as a result of the building's long period of inactivity.
The Technology
Each of the three screens is equipped with a Christie CP2306-RGBe laser projector - a reliable, low-maintenance 2K platform well-suited to screens of this scale - paired with a Dolby IMS3000 integrated media server. Automation is handled by CinemaNext's own PAA20+ Automation Adapter, which provides seamless show control without the need for a traditional projection booth. In keeping with the building's repurposed layout, all projection and audio racks are housed in the former projection room, which now functions as a dedicated IT and communications hub.
Because the projectors are installed in compact POD enclosures rather than a conventional booth, each screen required careful lens calculation to achieve the correct image geometry. The three screens seat 77, 52 and 74 patrons respectively, with throw distances ranging from six to 6.6 metres and scope picture widths up to 7.17 metres - modest by multiplex standards, but exactly the kind of intimate environment that S&B Cinemas does so well. Harkness Perlux HiWhite 180 perforated screens were specified throughout, supplied and installed by ProStage along with the screen frames.
For sound, the entire venue is equipped with Dolby CP950 16-channel sound processors, MAG AQ-8000 and AQ-3000 amplifiers, MAG SCR-15S two-way screen speakers, a comprehensive surround array of MAG SUR-83 series cabinets, and MAG SUB-428-88 double subwoofers. In a pragmatic decision taken in close consultation with S&B Cinemas, the amplification and speaker inventory was specified to cover all three screens from the outset - a more cost-effective approach than phasing the audio installation alongside the building works. The same logic applied to the projection and server inventory: all three Christie projectors and Dolby IMS3000 servers were procured together, ensuring consistency and reducing long-term procurement complexity.
Accessibility was also a priority. Each screen is served by a ListenIR two-channel assistive listening transmitter, with ten two-channel headsets available for patrons who need them - supporting the inclusive, community-focused philosophy that S&B Cinemas brings to all its venues.
A Community Achievement
The significance of the opening was not lost on those involved. Owner Pat Scott described the achievement as bringing tears to his eye, while local MP Sarah Dyke praised the team's commitment to making arts and culture accessible across rural Somerset, noting the venue's affordable ticket pricing and accessibility provisions.
For CinemaNext, projects like The Plaza represent exactly the kind of work we find most rewarding. Equipping a multiplex is (mostly) straightforward; helping to breathe new life into a historic, community-cherished building - one that has been silent for more than thirty years - requires a different kind of care and collaboration. We are delighted that Wincanton once again has a cinema to call its own, and we look forward to supporting The Plaza as it continues to grow, including when Screen 3 opens its doors later this year.
CinemaNext supplied and installed projection, sound, automation and accessibility technology at The Plaza, Wincanton. Screen frames and screen sheets were supplied and installed by ProStage.
Bringing the Big Screen Back: CinemaNext Equips The Plaza, Wincanton