Ipswich’s Cineworld multiplex on Cardinal Park is preparing for its big day on Friday when it will unveil its new screen to the town’s film fans.
The screen has been created on the first floor where Starbucks used to be based before that moved down to the main foyer.
The foyer itself has been given a bright new look and most of the screens have had new seats and have been redecorated.
The cinema’s 12th screen over the entrance has 244 seats and the latest technology to allow it to be used for major events like theatre and concert screenings as well as films.
It can also be hired out for corporate events.
New general manager Chris Clarkson is preparing for the big reveal which comes two weeks after the new Starbucks concession opened in the cinema foyer.
He said: “We should all be ready. It’s a bit of a race against time because the contractors have still got to finish sorting out the cladding and we still want to complete this in some of the other screens as well, but I think we’ll get there okay.
“This is a major investment in the cinema and I’m sure people will like it.”
The work at Cineworld is being completed just months after the new Empire cinema opened in the town’s Buttermarket Centre.
Mr Clarkson said: “It is good for the people of Ipswich that there is more choice. We see ourselves as the home of film in the town and aim to offer the best screens and the best value to see films and other events.”
Cineworld’s “Unlimited” season ticket has helped to build a loyal audience, he said.
Mr Clarkson said the company would not comment on the cost of the work – but making major structural changes to the cinema must have pushed the cost into seven figures.
It has remained open while the work was carried out – but Mr Clarkson and his staff were delighted it was now nearing completion.
“It has been a big job and a challenge to keep things going while we remain open – but I hope our customers feel it was worth it,” he said.
The cinema opened as a Virgin in 1998 and has operated under the Cineworld name since 2006.
Mr Clarkson added: “We are 19 years old now, but we have a fresh new look which we’re delighted to show off.”
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