Cinema will be like Hollywood
WHEN Wisbech's new state-of-the-art cinema opens in the spring of 2009 it will be the first of its kind in this country.
John Sullivan, director of The Light cinema experience, has given an insight into the digital cinema, which will boast the same technology as Hollywood.
Mr Sullivan and his partner Keith Pullinger look set to be the operators behind the leisure complex on the former Wisbech Stadium, which will also include a 15-lane bowling alley.
Speaking to Wisbech Town councillors on Monday night, Mr Sullivan explained the aim for Wisbech is to focus on people who have “forgotten cinema” as well as catering for the younger generation.
The aim is to provide a complete evening out with cinema/bowling and restaurants. Names such as DIY giants Wickes and retailer Next are already confirmed for the Cromwell Park development and restaurants such as Pizza Hut and Frankie and Benny’s could join them.
The five-screen cinema will allow for up to 15 to 20 films to be shown a week.
The technology is such that Mr Sullivan explained big sporting events and operas could also be screened at Wisbech.
Mr Sullivan hopes to work with schools to also screen home-produced films.
“We are looking for an opportunity where we can bring a fully digital design cinema to the UK as soon as possible.
“This is an opportunity for us and the developer. We are able to deliver this by 2009 and that is quite a short delivery time.”
He said cinema has to move ‘up market’ with “healthy snacks, decent coffee and a plush environment”. “We are aiming for the mature market while not alienating the kids. We are very excited by this opportunity.
“When we take the veil off in 2009 it has to be breathtaking,” said Mr Sullivan.
After the meeting, he told the Citizen the Wisbech cinema would be “unique” and one of ten The Light hopes to roll out in the UK.
Jonathan Clogg from Cromwell Retail Park Ltd gave councillors a progress report on the 18 million scheme, set to create about 200 full and part-time jobs.
Mr Clogg said there are still some “fairly delicate discussions” with major operators but “we are on the cusp of beginning our journey” he said.
Mr Clogg said the stadium redevelopment will complement other development in Wisbech, such as the port project.
“We believe we are talking about leisure and retail which will be part of a phenomenal regeneration drive for the town and immediate area and to claw back some of the enormous amount of revenue lost down the A47,” he said. A development board has now gone up on the site and some of the front has been cleared ready for demolition.
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Thursday 17 May 2012
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