Work has commenced on the construction of a new cinema adjoining Royal & Derngate, with a ground-breaking ceremony.
Managed by Royal & Derngate, in partnership with Cityscreen, the leading independent cinema operator in the UK, this new venture will host the very best in world, independent, British and mainstream film, broadening the range of films available in the town centre to the discerning Northamptonshire movie-goer. The 90-seat cinema will have state of the art sound and digital projection equipment. It will benefit from luxurious leather seating, with individual side tables, allowing audiences to enjoy a glass of wine as they watch a film.
Along with additional events such as film-maker Q&A sessions, film festivals and themed seasons, there are plans to have specialised screenings, for example of matinee showings for the over 60s or baby friendly screenings.
Guests at the ceremony included Cllr David Mackintosh, Leader of Northampton Borough Council, and Joanna Dring, Carlsberg’s External Communications Manager. The cinema is expected to open in late spring 2013, and members of the public can follow the progress of the build, captured on a webcam, by going to http://cinecam.namtrust.co.uk.
Cllr David Mackintosh,
Leader of Northampton Borough Council
The cinema development is part of a wider scheme, Northampton Alive, an initiative that brings together and promotes the town’s regeneration and heritage projects. Cllr Mackintosh said,
“The Cinema will strengthen Northampton’s arts and entertainment offer and will be at the heart of the development of a new cultural quarter, which will revitalise the St John’s area and give a wide range of people even more reason to come to the town. Having a vibrant cultural scene is important to the bigger picture of regeneration and I’m pleased that we will soon have such an interesting and high quality new attraction.”
Martin Sutherland Chief
Executive of Royal & Derngate
Martin Sutherland, Chief Executive of Royal & Derngate commented:
“We are delighted that construction is now getting started on the new cinema. We hope that this will be a wonderful new facility for the people of Northampton. We are grateful to all our supporters who have helped bring forward our plans.”
