WORK is under way on a new 90-seat boutique cinema which will show some of the best independent films from Britain and across the world.
The new £500,000 cinema is being built on land at the rear of Royal & Derngate in Northampton, off Albion Place.
It will be managed by the theatre in partnership with Cityscreen, the leading independent cinema operator in the UK.
The cinema will have state of the art sound and digital projection equipment and benefit from luxurious leather seating with individual side tables, allowing audiences to enjoy a glass of wine as they watch a film.
Martin Sutherland, chief executive of Royal & Derngate said: “We are delighted construction is getting started on the new cinema.
“We hope 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.”
There are also plans for film-maker Q&A sessions, film festivals and themed seasons as well as matinee showings for the over 60s and baby friendly screenings.
The development is part of Northampton Alive, an initiative that brings together and promotes the town’s regeneration and heritage projects.
The leader of Northampton Borough Council Cllr David Mackintosh: “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 we will soon have such an interesting and high quality new attraction.”
The ceremony was also attended by Joanna Dring from Carlsberg.
The cinema is expected to open in spring next year.
People can follow the progress of the build via webcam by visiting http://cinecam.namtrust.co.uk.
 |  |