A film studio at Lasham airfield has joined the campaign to save Alton’s Palace Cinema.

The whole team at Black Hangar Studios – named after its building, a black-painted 32,000 sq ft Second World War aircraft hangar – have signed the petition and spread the word over their four social media platforms.

Cinema owner Raj Jeyasingam announced last August that he would close the two-screen Normandy Street cinema – opened in 1912 and rebuilt in 1937 – in September 2022 unless somebody bought the freehold off him for £850,000.

Campaign leader Kat Guenioui has been searching for money to boost Save Alton Cinema’s cause – including £3,500 to pay for a commercial valuation with the aim of proving the price put on the building was too high, and £4,200 for the first phase of a feasibility study to show a cinema could be profitable with the right approach.

She said: “We’ve had no support from either town or district council, and the only avenue of funding we could identify – the National Lottery – was denied.

“Obviously we have considered crowd funding, but it is such an intangible thing to ask people to pay for – with no guarantee of a positive outcome – and times being what they are, that feels like a big ask.”

Save Alton Cinema will attend Alton Town Council’s themed markets in the Public Gardens on July 16 and September 10, and Alton Comic Con on August 6 and 7.

Black Hangar sales and marketing manager Sarah Baker said: “Being in the business with it on our doorstep, we can add some value in that way.

“Alton is a growing town and needs that type of outlet. If people are clever and savvy enough you can make it work.

“I have a 17-year-old son – why can’t he see a film in Alton rather than travelling?”

Group business development manager James Nash added: “It’s about creating a night out. Going to the cinema is a collective experience.

“People forget what it is like to have a local cinema on your doorstep, people take it for granted.

“But the number of signatures and people kicking up a fuss shows they want it. And they always have the latest releases at Alton.

“We’re opening it up to our wider contacts. We want to do our bit to spread the word.”