Work is set to begin this month on a unique multimedia IMAX cinema which will also be a conferencing and entertainment centre as part of a first-of-its-kind development in the UK.

The plans proposed by Tower Cinemas (Blackpool) Ltd, trading as MMC Cinemas will serve as a flexible business, leisure and entertainment centre that has nine state of the art digital screens including a giant IMAX-ready central screen in the 40,500 sq ft unit at Houndshill Shopping Centre.

The 850 seat venue will have flexible seating to allow screens to double as conference venue spaces and will include a PLF (Premium Large Format) screen - the largest in the North West.

The work at the Tower Street site is due to be completed by Spring 2022 and is set to create 30 full time jobs and hopes to be the catalyst for multimedia training, and 'business incubation'.

External Cgi Of Houndshill Phase Development

Last month Blackpool Council signed a 25 year lease with MMC Cinemas after acquiring the Blackpool shopping centre for £47.6m in November 2019 as part of the £20m phase two of its long-term strategy to revitalise the town centre.

Councillor Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “We have always made it very clear that our acquisition of the Houndshill was the first step in revitalising Blackpool town centre by introducing high-quality leisure attractions to complement the existing retail offer.“If the town centre is to prosper, we have to provide new reasons to attract residents and visitors.

"The signing of these three contracts paves the way for us to take a major step along that road.“We are delighted that all parties are now on board and we can move forward to an early start onsite date, bringing new jobs and opportunities.”

The centre is unique in that it will be the first in the UK to have flexible multimedia offerings alongside traditional cinema screenings whilst providing conference facilities, an incubator workspace as well as an e-sports café.

It is being developed by MMC Founder John Sullivan, who has created cinemas in locations around the world including Europe Australia, South Korea.

He has also founded The Light Cinemas in the UK, established UVi Cinemas in Saudi Arabia and pioneered the chain of Nightflix Drive In cinemas across the United Kingdom.

Mr Sullivan said: “Blackpool has an astonishing heritage as a leisure destination for the North West region and beyond, and this multi-media centre is set to re-cement that reputation.

"Its flexible design is geared to the needs of the town and wider Lancashire needs, offering not only a destination venue to experience the latest cinema releases,but is also flexible to enable conferences, space to encourage developing local business and much, much more.

"We are particularly excited about its ability for Blackpool to tap into the growing e-sports trend with dedicated gaming space. It’s a true privilege to be bringing this unique entertainment and business hub to the local area."

Government permission is currently being sought to allow permanent road closures ahead of the work beginning.

If it is approved, the order would enable the stopping up of the relevant parts of Adelaide Street, Tower Street and Coronation Street meaning these areas will cease to be part of the highway, road or footpath

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