Lancashire care home turns old library into Old Hollywood cinema room

The staff and residents at MHA Starr Hills in Lytham St Annes are all smiles after the opening of the cinema room.

During lockdown, MHA Starr Hills decided to transform the old library into a cinema for the residents which is also doubling up as a “World Cup Zone” as the World Cup kicks off in Qatar.

The DIY cinema has an array of streaming sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime so residents and staff members are never stuck for choice.

Home manager Tony Lyons said: “During lockdown we started thinking of options and I am very happy with the outcome and personally it's very fulfilling as I now see the finished result.

“We moved the library upstairs and that freed up the space for the cinema room. We have applied a real vintage decor in the room with red walls and curtains as well as wood-based items.

“The atmosphere in the room is very much like a cinema, we have a Blu-ray player so residents can watch their favourite movies.”

The room features large movie posters including the 1952 romantic comedy film Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn as well as the 1939 beloved classic Gone with the Wind.

Tony added: “We have put up famous movie posters to add a little more character and it looks amazing.

“The idea was a little outside the box, which I feel is very important and so far the residents are really enjoying it.

“With the World Cup starting I can see the room becoming a World Cup Zone which is great for the football fans we have living here.

“There is enough room for at least eight to ten residents to enjoy the room together and we have also made it wheelchair friendly.

“We are still waiting on some additional furniture which will complete the transformation, but we are very happy with the outcome.”

The Lytham St Annes based home on Ansdell Road South provides residential care and support for up to 36 people and has been rated ‘Overall Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission.