ODEON has been unveiled as the new owner of Swadlincote’s first cinema to be built in 30 years.
The country’s biggest cinema chain has taken over the five-screen Reel Cinema at the Hepworth Retail Park, off Coppice Side, and will open its doors on Friday next week.
The deal was uncovered by the Mail last month after the film giant had already applied to the district council to install illuminated signage above the entrance, including its ‘Fanatical About Film’ tagline.
The move is part of an acquisition of five Reel cinemas nationally.
Reel owner Kailash Suri said: “We completed a deal on Thursday night, so it is going to open as an Odeon.
“It was the best cinema that we have ever built so it is sad to be handing it over, and we were very passionate about the plans we had for it.
“I hope the people of Swadlincote enjoy it — it’s a great venue. I wish the best of luck to the staff and to Odeon taking it forward.”
The Loughborough-based boss of the independent chain said he could not comment on how much money Odeon paid for the multiplex.
However, the deal means now all fivescreens will be able to show 3D films, and the Odeon Digital 8000 HD system will mean it can store a library of up to 8,000 films at any one time.
The 433-seat cinema and retail area will create 18 new jobs.
Film fans have been kept waiting as it was due to open on Friday, October 21, but that was before the eleventh-hour swoop by Odeon.
Roger Harris, chief operating officer, for Odeon and UCI Cinemas said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to bring the best content and cinema experience to film enthusiasts, we are delighted to be opening a brand new cinema in Swadlincote.
“We hope the community enjoys the latest addition to the Odeon family and we very much look forward to welcoming our guests in the weeks ahead.”
The deal was welcomed by South Derbyshire District Council chief executive Frank McArdle.
“The opening of the Odeon Cinema will be the icing on the cake of the major regeneration of Swadlincote’s shopping experience,” he said.
“The securing of a national cinema company is a clear indication of the confidence of investment companies in the town.
“We should genuinely celebrate the impact this will have on the evening culture and it won’t be long before other wellknown brands follow this investment.”
