Preston’s new cinema will complement, rather than harm, those that already operate in the area.

That was the message from Cllr Martyn Rawlinson, cabinet member for resources and deputy leader for Preston City Council, ahead of the phased opening of the Animate complex in February. 

Inside Animate will be a new eight-screen cinema operated by the chain Arc Cinemas.

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Preston has its fair share of film history – most notably with Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park being from the city.

Preston is already home to three cinemas. Two chain cinemas are the Odeon at the docks and the Vue at the Capitol Centre. A third is an independent cinema at The Flower Bowl Entertainment Centre just north of the city.

Cllr Rawlinson told Blog Preston: “Residents told us that they wanted an improved entertainment offer in Preston and so the aim of Animate is to rejuvenate and ‘re-Animate’ the cultural and entertainment offer in the city centre.”

He describes the centre as “much more than just a cinema, a multi-tenanted entertainment and leisure complex offering lots more choice for the people of Preston and visitors alike – bars, restaurants, bowling alley, and one unit still available on the first floor for a further entertainment or leisure tenant.”

Cinema chains have been dominating the UK market for as long as any can remember, but in recent years, bankruptcy and closures have been making these branches unwanted targets of an uncertain future. The Cineworld chain saw several closures last year and continuing into this year.

Cllr Rawlinson said: “Arc Cinema will complement the existing cinema offer in Preston, other outlets are outside the city centre, by providing more choice and an easy to get to, central, accessible option for those that rely on public transport, or want to combine a trip to the cinema with a meal out or some retail therapy.”

Guy Topping, managing director at The Flower Bowl, said, “This new Animate is going to be city-based, so that gives it a point of difference from the other three.

“We have quite a different experience, so I don’t really feel it’s going to affect us at all.”

Guy added: “We’re very proud of being an independent cinema.

“We like the fact that we’re independent and we can do things our own way.”

Animate is a £45m entertainment complex delivered part of Preston City Council’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment programme. 

Communities continue to help drive film in local area – such as at Penwortham Community Cinema. 

Mike Handley, a committee member, said: “It would be nice to see some variety in the films offered. Independent and world cinema is pretty poorly served in Lancashire. The Dukes in Lancaster and Home in Manchester are the nearest, and it is not suitable for a quick night out really due to the distance! That said, I would welcome any cinema to the town, but I do feel that we are well served for films from the biggest studios and distributors.”

He added: “I think that all cinemas in their current form, and by this I think I mean multiplex, mainstream cinemas, or ‘the chains’, do have an existential problem.”

When talking about the other cinemas in the Preston area, he noted that: “Clearly it will have an impact on their footfall initially.” 

He states that there have been occasions when he has been entirely alone in film screenings in cinemas in Preston. 

He believes part of the issue is that ‘home cinema is much more viable’ as large TVs become affordable and access to media more convenient than ever – then the pandemic broke any cinema-going habits that might have existed. 

Film would be nothing without its passionate fans- like those in the University of Central Lancashire’s societies. 

Sam, the chair of the Animation Movie and Series Society, said: “I hope that it is a cinema that is different to the ones already in Preston and is as affordable as the other cinemas.

“Since this will be a new location for a new cinema, it will have a big traction in terms of how many people come to watch and explore the cinema at the start.”

Sam adds that he “thinks there should be more events that happen with some movie screenings. Something for people to get more excited for when they’re thinking about watching a movie.”

With the cost of living crisis still being an active part of people’s lives, deals can play a big part in getting people to the cinema. Sam thinks that “£5 for a ticket is a great deal even for a standard seat” when referencing the Odeon down at the docks.

It was recently announced that a new Film Festival is being launched in the city. The North West Independent Film Festival is a sign all can enjoy a showcase of British short films from across the country.

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