IMAX goes large for new ‘Backlot Cinema’ in Blackpool regeneration
One of the largest IMAX cinema screens in the country is heading for Blackpool.
The town’s new cinema complex, which will be the anchor tenant of the Phase 2 extension of Houndshill Shopping Centre, will boast a 10.8-metre screen, it was revealed today (August 1).
The multi-screen development will be known as the Backlot Cinema and will comprise nine screens and a total of 850 luxury seats.
Also, the Backlot Diner will open for all day dining to the local and tourist population with a classic, yet contemporary, menu including shakes and cocktails. A 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.
Alessandra Pavan Bernacchi, VP, theatre development at IMAX, 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.”
John Sullivan, founder of Backlot Cinema, 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:
- More than 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
- More than 260 construction jobs created over the build period
- Increase of 1.2 million shoppers and visitors to the Houndshill Shopping Centre
Cllr Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council, said: “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 borrowing.
