Hoyts Cronulla will open in early November in conjunction with the release of the new James Bond movie - and possibly biggest film of the year - No Time To Die.
The entertainment chain says the six-screen complex, which has undergone a $5 million renovation, will offer a world class cinema experience, blending the local vibe with blockbusters and a range of new facilities.
Hoyts had intended opening in the middle of this year after signing a long-term lease in late 2019 when Event Cinemas decided to move out, but the coronavirus pandemic and development application changes pushed the date back.
Chief executive Damian Keogh, a Cronulla resident, said the exact opening date would be announced in coming weeks, but it would be early November and before the No Time to Die release date of November 12.
"That will be one of the biggest, if not the biggest, movie of the year," he said.
Mr Keogh said, as a local resident, he knew there was a lot of excitement about the reopening of the cinema that has been part of Cronulla since 1928.
He believes the revised timing will appeal.
"As Covid figures are going down, people can't travel but they want to get out and start experiencing social things again, and cinema is one of the great social experiences," he said.
Mr Keogh said, since the reopening of cinemas in July, the industry had been "a bit slower than normal, particularly because we rely on Hollywood providing a consistent supply of new content".
"Because of Covid and the number of cases in the US, a number of new releases have been moved to the back end of this year and 2021," he said.
Hoyts's Covid Safe Plan, including reduced numbers in cinemas, social distancing and extra cleaning, will be implemented at Cronulla as it is at other venues.
A Hoyts statement said:
"Hoyts Cronulla will be unlike anything previously experienced in the area, offering six cinema screens along with an exciting array of new features to transform the classic cinema experience into a safe and entertaining offer, including:
- Extra-comfy recliners in four of the cinemas boasting extra leg room and wider seating - offered at the same standard ticket price
- A first-to-Hoyts lounge experience in two of the cinemas where guests can enjoy the latest blockbusters in a smaller auditorium setting.
"In true Hoyts-style, the classic pre-movie ritual has also been flipped. Think your favourite beer or wine paired with gourmet pizza at Artie's Bar & Cafe (and yes, you can take them into the cinema with you), exploring Treat City where you can choose your favourite sweet treats in an immersive Candy Bar experience, or kick back in the retro lounge while you wait for your crew to join you."
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