The Backlot Cinema in Blackpool, England, will be the anchor tenant of the Phase 2 extension of Houndshill Shopping Centre, an indoor shopping mall in the heart of the town. The theatre will have nine screens with a total of 850 luxury seats.
The complex will also feature one of the largest Imax cinema screens in the country. The Imax theatre will have laser projection and Imax’s 12-channel sound, as well as Imax’s 12-channel sound technology.
Alessandra Pavan Bernacchi, Imax’s vice president of, theatre development said, “We’re thrilled to see this ambitious project come to life and to bring the Imax experience to new audiences in the Blackpool area.We’re excited for moviegoers to experience the latest blockbuster films in this new state-of-the-art Imax theatre, which is sure to become a destination for premium entertainment and events in the community.”
The Backlot Diner will be open for all day dining to the local and tourist population with a classic, yet contemporary, menu including shakes and cocktails.
John Sullivan, founder of Backlot Cinema, said, “The backlot of a film studio is at the heart of the filmmaking process. It’s where the action really happens and where creativity is allowed to flourish. It seemed an entirely appropriate name for this thrilling entertainment hub which we couldn’t be more excited to be bringing to this vibrant town.”
Blackpool Town Council leader Lynn Williams said, “For the town center to prosper we must continue to provide new reasons to attract resident and visitors and to extend the time of visits into the evening with more entertainment and leisure choices that the whole family can enjoy. The new multi-media cinema complex will provide something brand new for our residents combining a state-of-the-art cinematic experience but also the availability of new flexible creative spaces that many that many artists and businesses will also be able to benefit from.”
The overall budget for the project is estimated at £20 million, of which £5 million will come from from the Government’s COVID-19 Getting Building Fund. The Blackpool Council will borrow the remaining balance.
There was no word on when the cinema would open.