Hollywood Bowl Preston set for ‘early March’ opening within Animate Cinema complex

Radu Solomon of Hollywood Bowl Preston Pic: Hollywood Bowl

Work is progressing on opening the new 22-lane bowling alley within the new Animate cinema complex.

Preston city centre is seeing nearly £3million spent on the new Hollywood Bowl lanes.

Alongside the bowling will be a ‘stylish bar’ along with ‘state-of-the-art amusements’.

The bowling chain says up to 30 new jobs are being created by the opening of the bowling facility in ‘early March next year’.

Centre manager for Hollywood Bowl Preston, Radu Soloman, said: “We’re looking forward to bringing a new family entertainment centre and modern LA bowling to life in Preston next Spring.

“Hollywood Bowl has built a strong reputation for delivering affordable fun family experiences across the UK, and we look forward to welcoming people of all ages and abilities from the city to enjoy and make memories in our state-of-the-art bowling facility.”

Building work on the outside of the Animate complex, which is costing £45m in total, recently finished and all the units – which are let barring one – are now being fitted out ahead of the entertainment complex opening next year.

Preston Towns Board’s John Chesworth, Hollywood Bowl Preston’s Radu Soloman and Preston City Council’s councillor Martyn Rawlinson inside the new unit within Animate Pic: Hollywood Bowl Preston

Preston City Council’s cabinet member for resources and deputy leader, councillor Martyn Rawlinson, said: “Preston is delighted to welcome Hollywood Bowl to the city centre and we’re looking forward to the grand opening in spring next year.

“A new entertainment choice that appeals to a wide audience of all ages, that encourages people to have fun for longer in our great city is just what we need, and it’s a great addition to Animate, our new premier entertainment and leisure destination.”

The new cinema, close to the city’s Market Hall, has been mooted since 2014 and is built on the site of the city’s former Indoor Market which was demolished in 2019.

Animate was due to open in late 2024 but it’s opening was pushed back to early 2025 as its understood the desire is for all parts of the entertainment complex to begin operating at the same time.

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.