A new cinema complex being built in Lancashire will feature one of the largest IMAX screens in the country, standing at a massive 10.8m.
IMAX has signed up to deliver state-of-the-art, immersive movie experiences at the new multi-screen development in Blackpool, which will be known as the Backlot Cinema.
The Backlot Cinema will comprise of nine screens and a total of 850 luxury seats and will be the anchor tenant of the Phase 2 extension of Houndshill Shopping Centre in the heart of Blackpool town centre, which will include a diner, and new Wilko store.
The Backlot Diner will open for all day dining to the local and tourist population with a classic yet contemporary menu including great shakes and crafty cocktails.
And the new 22,500 sq ft Wilko home retail store will also be housed in the Phase 2 extension.
Work on site is progressing and on schedule with steelworks taking shape to build the structure that will feature groundbreaking IMAX with laser technology, as well as IMAX's 12-channel sound technology.
Vice President of Theatre Development at IMAX, Alessandra Pavan Bernacchi said: “We’re thrilled to see this ambitious project come to life and to bring the IMAX experience to new audiences in the Blackpool area.
“We’re excited for moviegoers to experience the latest blockbuster films in this new state-of-the-art IMAX theatre, which is sure to become a destination for premium entertainment and events in the community.”
Founder of Backlot Cinema, John Sullivan, said: “The backlot of a film studio is at the heart of the film making process – it’s where the action really happens and where creativity is allowed to flourish.
"It seemed an entirely appropriate name for this thrilling entertainment hub which we couldn’t be more excited to be bringing to this vibrant town.”
The completed Phase 2 scheme will deliver:
• Over 100 jobs created both directly through the scheme and locally
• 0.5 acres of brownfield land developed
• 76,500 sq. ft. of new commercial floorspace
• Approx. over 260 construction jobs created over the build period
• Increase of 1.2m shoppers and visitors to the Houndshill Shopping Centre
Leader of Blackpool Council, Cllr Lynn Williams, said: “We are delighted to welcome IMAX and Backlot Cinema to the Houndshill Shopping Centre as it will be a major draw for residents and visitors to the town centre.
“For the town centre to prosper we must continue to provide new reasons to attract resident and visitors and to extend the time of visits into the evening with more entertainment and leisure choices that the whole family can enjoy.
"The new multi-media cinema complex will provide something brand new for our residents combining a state-of-the-art cinematic experience but also the availability of new flexible creative spaces that many that many artists and businesses will also be able to benefit from.”
The overall scheme of £20m has been facilitated by £5m of funding from the government’s Covid-19 Getting Building Fund, following formal approval by the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) in October 2020.
Blackpool Council will fund the balance of the scheme through prudential borrowing.
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