Wait for state-of-the-art cinema is nearly over
THE official opening date for St Austell's new cinema complex has been announced.
On Friday, December 19, at 5.30pm the ribbon will be cut at the White River cinema, officially opening the £3.5 million building.
Restormel mayor Jackie Bull and David Williams, managing director of WTW cinemas, will open the complex.
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa will be the first movie to be shown on the big screen and one lucky child will push the button on the projector to start the film before relaxing in one of the cinema's luxury leather chairs.
Anyone under the age of 16 can be nominated to push the button. For a chance of winning put your name, age and contact details on a postcard and drop it into the Engine House in Trinity Street before Wednesday, December 17.
You can also enter by e-mail: details available at www.wtwcinemas.co.uk
The opening of the cinema marks the completion of phase one of the £75 million town centre regeneration scheme for St Austell.
Mr Williams said: "It is absolutely fantastic to be able to open St Austell's brand new cinema in time for Christmas.
"There has been much anticipation ahead of this moment and everyone involved in this huge project is very excited that the town will have a modern and comfortable venue that it can be proud of. If local people would like to come along and witness the opening, they will be most welcome."
Before the official unveiling, there will be two open days – on Wednesday, December 17, between noon and 8pm, and the following day between noon and 6pm, when the public can tour the building for the first time, have a look at the cinema, enjoy a drink and watch trailers for upcoming films.
Next spring, a charity gala premiere for invited guests will be held to celebrate the opening of the cinema and more details will be revealed in the new year.
White River Cinema will be able to seat more than 650 people and will have four state-of-the-art screens on the first floor.
5 Comments
by James, Somerset
Friday, December 12 2008, 12:37PM
“I find it hard to understand why people are complaining I lived in St Austell nearly all my life and yes maybe under the metal cladding the cinema was nice but you didn't see that unless you went inside and when you did most of the screens were either broken or unfit for people to use. I went to the St Austell cinema once and found it disgusting. Since then I refused to watch a film their and travelled to the Vue cinema in Plymouth which is modern and clean and comfortable which is what you want!!!”
by Harry Weedon, Cornwall
Wednesday, December 10 2008, 6:17PM
“I have to agree with Oscar I¿m afraid. For all it¿s shiny new glass and chrome, it¿s got all the glamour of a greenhouse¿.or is that a B&Q DIY centre?”
by Oscar, St. Austell
Wednesday, December 10 2008, 11:24AM
“As a place to watch I film, I¿m sure it¿ll be fine¿.but so is my lounge! Going to the Cinema shouldn¿t be just about watching a film, but should impart a feeling of occasion and be something special. Our predecessors 70 years ago knew this, and that is why they constructed ¿picture palaces¿, the likes of which St.Austell had with its ODEON. This 1936 art deco masterpiece, with just a little TLC could have offered the town so much more than what it now has, history, character and glamour.”
by Dooby Duck, Cornwall
Wednesday, December 10 2008, 9:50AM
“Some people are never happy - has Chris, St Austell seen the cinemas in St Ives and Penzance? They are absolute cesspits - be happy with what they've given you.”
by Chris R, St Austell
Wednesday, December 10 2008, 2:29AM
“So, St.Austell has finally got its sterile, 650 seat, video projection box. Forgive me for not rejoicing, but the town had to sacrifice a beautiful 1930¿s, landmark Cinema building to achieve THIS. Shame on you, the people of St.Austell for being so easily bought off.”