WORK has started to bring the site of Lancing’s famous cinema back to life.

The building, which originally opened as a cinema in the early 1940s, is being converted into 12 luxury apartments including studios, one-bedroom and three-bedroom homes.

Machin Group, based in Shoreham, has worked closely with Adur District Council and campaigners to ensure the building keeps its historic façade, front entrance and Luxor signage.

It will be adding modern, luxury design to the lobby, public spaces and apartments themselves.

Plans were approved last October with Machin finally given the go-ahead to start last month.

While the exterior will receive a much-needed facelift, the interior will be completely transformed.

Machin Group has raised almost £2m via its subsidiary property investment management company Machin Investments Ltd by recruiting local investors and banks to back the project and the Lancing community and ensure the site remains a town centre landmark.

Machin Group Managing Director Will Machin said: “We’ve been determined to keep this project local - using local contractors and services as well as making significant contributions towards the Lancing’s affordable housing and infrastructure.

“So we’re confident the end results will benefit everyone – particularly the community.

“It’s fantastic to see new life being breathed back into the town and the Luxor forms an important part of that local regeneration.

“Lancing is certainly on the up and has a lot going for it – direct trains to Brighton and London Victoria, bars and restaurants and a coastal lifestyle.”