An independent cinema boss is ploughing in £100,000 to give his beloved venue a new lease of life.

Robert Johnson plans to future-proof Herne Bay’s Kavanagh Cinema with a revamped foyer, new carpets, lighting and seats.

The overhaul comes as the film industry grapples with soaring costs - from energy bills to staffing - but Mr Johnson insists the two-screen cinema is thriving.

His reassurance follows a social media post showing an empty auditorium that sparked hundreds of reactions about the William Street venue’s fate.

While attendance numbers took a hit during the pandemic and have yet to recover, film-goers need not worry, Mr Johnson says.

“Rest assured, the Kavanagh isn’t going anywhere,” he added.

“Since Covid, it’s never been the same. But that’s the same for cinemas everywhere.

“But on the bright side, I am in the middle of spending £100,000 on the theatre.

“We’ve just had the foyer redecorated, and we’re just waiting for the seats from Spain and specially made carpet from Lancashire to arrive.”

During the pandemic, cinema chains began to suffer as screens were closed for several months. When they reopened, there were drops in both the number of films and audiences.

In 2023, both Empire Cinemas and Cineworld went into administration.

It was after a regular Kavanagh-goer found himself watching The Smashing Machine featuring Dwayne Johnson alone on the evening of October 8, that he expressed concerns the venue was struggling.

Sharing a picture of the empty theatre on the Herne Bay Chatter Facebook page, Carl Hammond wrote: “Not one person in tonight’s showing at the Kavanagh bar me.

“Start using this facility folks, or, no doubt, it will be the next amenity this town doesn’t have.”

Speaking afterwards, Mr Hammond, 41, lamented there has been just a “handful of people” at recent showings.

His post attracted an avalanche of cinemagoers praising the Kavanagh’s family-orientated design and mix of new and classic movies.

Explaining a crowd was present on Monday, Marina Shaftoe said: “We use this cinema as much as possible because we love it and want to support it.”

Linda Schell added: “I’ve been there many times, a great little cinema and just what Herne Bay needs - so hope it doesn’t close down.

Having visited regularly over recent years, John Harper said: “We have been there regularly over the years, sometimes it’s quiet and other times full.

“The staff are great and snacks and drinks are very reasonably priced.”

Mr Johnson says the upgrades should be complete by November and that the cinema will keep usual opening hours throughout.