The building has been disused for around a decade and has been falling into disrepair. In March 2015, a historic building appraisal of this Grade II listed building was carried out. The appraisal found that the building's original plan is not certain, but it seems likely that it was constructed as a three‐room lobby‐entry house in the late 16th century.

Lobby‐entry houses are not commonly found in Devon, so this is a rare example. The house was subsequently extended to the west and to the rear. It was converted into a public house, probably in the 1820s, and various alterations were made to the rear of the building. New sash windows were put in the façade, and the ground floor was reorganised.

The structure of what one sees today is how the building has looked since it was an early Victorian public house. The building's significance is derived mainly from its historical and communal value, with a lesser contribution from its evidential, historical, and aesthetic values.

The historic main building has been sympathetically restored. We have consulted with the Teignbridge DC Conservation Officer, who has suggested using this opportunity to highlight the house's historic nature by removing later, inappropriate 19th-century additions and combining this with modern architectural forms for the café and cinema to counterpoint the historic building.

This will help to sustain and better reveal the significance of the original building. A heritage display will be open to the public and will contribute to the understanding of the historical landscape of what was the heart of Bovey Tracey for hundreds of years, from the 13th century.

Large new housing developments in Bovey Tracey are increasing the population by around 20% and raising the demand for services and facilities locally. The town is a popular destination for day visitors, attracted by its beautiful natural environment, recreational opportunities, and arts and cultural events such as the annual three‐day Contemporary Craft Festival, the Nourish Festival, Green Man and others.

There is an active community life with many groups and societies, mainly catering for the older age groups, but apart from talks and meetings, there is little for people to do in the evening or on rainy days. Young people have a Youth Café and a skate park, plus some sporting opportunities. Creating an arts and entertainment centre at the King of Prussia will give everyone in the community a much-needed informal meeting place to renew acquaintances and make new ones.

In the Bovey Tracey area, approximately 25% of the population is over 65 (compared with approximately 16% nationally). Over the next 20 years, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) predicts that the population of Devon will grow by nearly a quarter from 767,400 (in 2009) to 967,800 (in 2031), with the greatest increase (75%) expected in the population aged 65 years and above. There is expected to be little growth in the population aged 14 years and younger. By 2031, over a quarter of the Devon population will be aged 65 years and above.

Our market research, which reached 7.1% of the population of Bovey Tracey, asked residents for their views on developing a community cinema/theatre and related facilities. The response was overwhelmingly positive.

In response to the question: “Do you think the community would benefit from a community cinema/theatre in central Bovey Tracey?” 98% said “yes”

In response to: “This cinema/theatre would be community‐owned. Would you, in principle, be interested in being a shareholder, founder or otherwise helping to finance its setting up?”, 43% responded positively.