A giant sign was unveiled today as Wisbech’s first multi screen cinema moved a step closer to opening.
The Light Cinema, which is part of the new Tesco complex in Cromwell Road, Wisbech, will officially open on May 23.
The day before, a special Rotary gala will be held at the venue with an advanced showing of the new X-Men film.
The eight-screen cinema complex, which will also have a licensed bar, will create 47 jobs, with the majority of people hired from the Wisbech area.
The project has been 11 years in the planning and is being undertaken by cinema company The Light, which has enjoyed success with a cinema in New Brighton in the Wirral.
That cinema has attracted 385,000 visitors since it opened at the end of 2011 and helped to revitalise what had been a sleepy seaside resort.
General manager Phil Dove said: “We are excited about being in Wisbech. It is a great opportunity for us because this town has a lot of potential. We hope to give a boost to its night time economy.
“We had 120 applicants for interview and it was a really difficult decision who to choose because there are so many talented, motivated people here.
“We expect to replicate the success the have had in New Brighton here and hope to also open cinemas in Dundee and Walsall in the next 18 months.”
The cinema’s sign measures 15 by five metres and will be lit from behind until 1am each night.
The group’s New Brighton cinema is renowned for its customer service - it has received rave reviews on the Trip Advisor website.
Mr Dove said: “Our focus is on customer service and making sure everyone who visits has a good experience.
“There’s a generation of people who are not going to the cinema and a generation of older people who have stopped going.
“Our aim is to encourage people back to have an enjoyable night out.”
The cinema will hold events such as a kids club, holiday club, fancy dress screenings at Halloween and autistic-friendly screenings.
To appeal to Wisbech’s migrant population, films will be shown with Polish subtitles.
The Leader of Wisbech Town Council David Oliver said: “I’ve been quite excited about this cinema from the beginning so it is pleasing to see it come to fruition.
“People will no longer have to travel to King’s Lynn or Peterborough to go to a multiplex cinema.
“The most important thing is the employment boost for the town. It’s nice to hear how difficult a decision it was who to hire because it shows they recognise the potential of people who live in the town.
“Cromwell Road has been transformed. It is encouraging to see this level of investment in Wisbech. The town is clearly moving in the right direction.”
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