Kentish Express Ashford & District
Coming soon… cinema’s huge IMAX
Councillors unanimously back bid for large screen, two more screens and two restaurants
mmilehamchappell@thekmgroup.co.uk ‘COMFORTABLE’: Cllr Graham Galpin approved for the £75 million regeneration of the Elwick Place site in the town centre with a new six-screen ‘boutique’ cinema.
It will be opened under their Picturehouse brand, along with a new hotel and restaurants on the site.
“It could be built by March 2018.
Cllr Luke Powell, ABC’s lead member for finance said: “An IMAX cinema will improve the park’s offering and, to some extent, futureproof it.
“While Eureka Park’s restaurants are generally familyfriendly, the plan is to ensure that there is a more sophisticated mix of restaurants at Elwick Place, with a greater emphasis on fine dining.
“However, we must try to ensure that an expansion at Eureka Park does not impinge on our plans at Elwick Place.”
Cllr Graham Galpin, ABC portfolio holder for the town centre said: “I am comfortable that there is a market for two cinemas.
“The differentiation is an important factor and the sequential test is only satisfied if we complete or have begun substantial work on the Elwick Road site before anything is done in Eureka Park.
“Ashford attracts investment, and that investment includes the two cinemas and the eateries.
“I think both the developers, the cinema sponsors, and we in Ashford are happy to have them along.”
Surveys on parking showed that during peak times, capacity at Eureka Park did not exceed 70%.
Although the site will increase its parking spaces from 907 to 930, additional signs and changes to the layout are said to help ease the flow of cars arriving at the park .
Concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the accessibility to the site for those using public transport, to which councillors responded that they hope the site will benefit from improved transport links around the town with a new Stagecoach bus hopper service set to be provided in the near future.
IMAX screens are larger and more curved than traditional cinema screens. The picture is clearer and the sound is of a higher quality.
What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk