Telford to get new Imax cinema
Telford is to become one of only a handful of places in Britain to have its own Imax cinema, it was revealed this afternoon.
Cineworld is building a new cinema complex at the Southwater development in the town centre, which will become the 23rd Imax in the country.
The high definition screens and specially-designed seating in Imax cinemas aim to make the experience better for film fans. It is not yet known whether all 11 screens will be equipped with Imax technology.
Currently, there is only one Imax cinema in the whole of the West Midlands – in Birmingham. The nearest others are Liverpool, Manchester and Nottingham.
Telford & Wrekin Council leader Councillor Kuldip Sahota said: "This is obviously fantastic news for film buffs like me and we are delighted that Cineworld has agreed that the new 11-screen cinema will have an Imax theatre system.
"The £250m regeneration of Southwater is progressing very well and I think there is a genuine sense of excitement in the borough now the buildings are reaching an advanced stage. The town centre is unrecognisable from only a few months ago and we're well on our way to achieving our vision of a vibrant beating heart in the town centre."
The 11-screen cinema is set to be one of the main attractions at the £250m Southwater development, which is due to open in April 2014.
Imax screens have a crystal-clear digital projection with a much larger, slightly curved and tilted specially treated Imax HD screen. The theatre will have a customised seating plan in the auditorium, designed for the most comfortable position for both eyes and neck, as well as a better viewpoint of the action on screen.
Crispin Lilly, vice-president of business affairs at Cineworld said: "We are delighted to build on our successful partnership and look forward to adding more Imax theatres to our circuit."
As well as the new cinema, the Southwater development will include a number of bars and restaurants, a 700-space multi-storey car park, an 83-bed Premier Inn hotel, a visitor centre and the fully refurbished and extended ice rink.
It will also include the Southwater 1 building, which will feature a new main library, a tourist information centre, bars, restaurants and a cafe.
