Ellandi has announced that Backlot Imax Cinema will be opening at Houndshill Shopping Centre next month. Located in the new extension of the Centre, the cinema, will open on March 22, featuring one of the largest IMAX screens in the North West, measuring 10.85m high and 19.87m wide.
Complementing the big screen, cinema goers will be able to enjoy The Backlot’s 100-seater diner serving fresh burgers, hotdogs and wings, along with a range of desserts.
The Backlot has been designed to create an innovative arts and entertainment hub for both the local community and Blackpool visitors. Building on Blackpool’s long history of picture houses and reigniting the early evening economy, this new extension of the shopping centre is expected toincrease footfall and have a major impact on surrounding businesses.
Tim Cornford, head of asset management at Ellandi said: “This new opening of IMAX cinema is part of the exciting regeneration plans for Blackpool. The regeneration of Blackpool town centre is a great example of public/private partnership working at its best. Our vision is to transform Blackpool’s shopping and town centre into a sustainable and thriving destination to reflect the needs and wants of residents, shoppers and visitors. The completion of phase 2 has created over 100 new jobs within the local area and it’s anticipated to contribute to an additional 1.2 million shoppers and visitors to Houndshill Shopping Centre.”
Councillor Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Levelling Up – Place, added: “We’re delighted to see this ambitious project come to life. Welcoming IMAX and The Backlot Cinema and Diner to Blackpool will be a major draw for residents and visitors to the town centre, with the new multi-media cinema complex providing a brand new state-of-the-art cinematic experience for all ages. For the town centre to prosper we must continue to provide new reasons to attract residents and visitors, whilst extending visit time into the evening – creating entertainment and leisure choices the whole family can enjoy. A destination for premium entertainment and events is a key part of a much wider plan to regenerate Blackpool town centre, with aims to boost the economy, create more local jobs and provide more things to see and do for locals and visitors alike.”
