Reel Cinemas to open at the Ridings shopping centre
NewRiver has exchanged contracts with Reel Cinemas, the community cinema operator, to open a five-screen cinema at the Ridings shopping centre in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The new cinema is scheduled to open in May 2019, occupying a space created by the innovative conversion of three former retail units, with minimal structural alterations, which has been let on a 15-year lease.
Reel Cinemas was established in 2001 and is now one of the largest independent cinema operators in the UK, with 13 venues across the country and plans to develop at least 10 more over the next five years. Its cinemas are in community locations and showcase the latest releases, with its competitive prices being a key differentiator in the market.
Adding to the leisure offer NewRiver has brought its pub operating expertise to The Ridings with the opening of the Keg & Kitchen, a food-led community pub located in the centre’s 240-cover food court, operated by NewRiver’s Hawthorn Leisure division.
Director Paul Wright said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Reel Cinemas to The Ridings and to the NewRiver portfolio through this ambitious and innovative repurposing of former retail space. We have worked closely with Reel to ensure this is an exciting Wakefield community attraction offering affordable prices with some interesting surprises. As Reel Cinemas continues its rapid expansion, we will continue to work with them to explore similar opportunities across our portfolio.”
