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A refurbishment of the foyer at Ashford's Cineworld has been completed in time for the latest James Bond film – and has seen the removal of a huge mirrored ceiling.
Contractors have been sprucing up the Eureka Leisure Park site in recent months, working on a long-awaited IMAX and 4DX extension and upgrading all 12 screens in the original part of the building.
In the entrance hall, they have replaced the carpet with sparkling red and black floor tiles and have made space for a new Starbucks outlet which will open next year.
A large mirror that covered the area has been ripped out and a red Cineworld logo has been installed instead.
Once No Time To Die has been shown, contractors will remove the triangular-shaped glass frontage which has been in place since the cinema opened.
Cineworld has not confirmed when the IMAX and 4DX extension will open, but it is due to be completed by March next year.
“We are thrilled to be expanding our venue in Ashford, which is going to allow guests to experience films in immersive IMAX and exhilarating 4DX,” a spokeswoman said.
“As well as this, we will have a new Starbucks where guests can pick up their favourite drinks and snacks.
“We expect the renovations to be completed in 2022 and we look forward to welcoming guests to try out the new offerings.”
When complete, the 4DX technology will offer a rollercoaster-like experience where seats shake and water is sprayed on film-goers, while IMAX will feature a larger-than-average screen and steep stadium-style seating.
Work started on the extension last March – five years after the plan was approved – but the Covid lockdowns delayed construction.
It is not known whether Cineworld will continue with its plans to build two new restaurants once the new screens are complete.
Bosses have planning permission for the facilities either side of Pizza Hut – one in the cinema extension and another separate unit – but Cineworld did not respond to a request for comment on that part of the scheme.
Early artist's impressions submitted to Ashford Borough Council showed American restaurant chain Coast to Coast would take on one of the units.
