A new entrance and Starbucks outlet have opened at Ashford's Cineworld – but supply issues are holding up construction of the new IMAX and 4DX screens.

Bosses at the Eureka Leisure Park site had hoped to open their new extension this month, seven years after gaining planning approval for the long-awaited upgrade.

Inside Ashford Cineworld as the new entrance and Starbucks opens

But due to some parts being trapped in other countries due to coronavirus rules, film fans will have to wait until April to try out the new facilities.

Although a precise opening date is yet to be confirmed, Cineworld is selling 4DX tickets for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 from Saturday, April 2.

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.

On Friday, a new ScreenX auditorium opened in the original part of the cinema with a midnight screening of The Batman.

The wraparound screen expands the traditional cinema screen to the side walls of the auditorium, creating a 270-degree viewing experience for the audience.

Work on the extension which will house the IMAX and 4DX screens began in March 2020, five years after the plans were approved, but Covid lockdowns delayed the construction.

Refurbishment of the foyer was completed last autumn in time for the much-delayed James Bond film No Time To Die and saw the removal of a huge mirrored ceiling.

The Starbucks outlet, which opens for breakfast until late at night, has been installed where the former box office once stood.

Bosses have also upgraded all of the screens in the original part of the cinema, adding new seating.

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.

Early artist's impressions submitted to Ashford Borough Council showed American restaurant chain Coast to Coast would take on one of the units, but no tenants have ever been confirmed.

Last month, Cineworld was evacuated during Storm Eunice when high winds damaged the new entrance, forcing staff to close the cinema for the day.

Elsewhere on the Eureka estate, Ashford’s former Chiquito restaurant – which shut during the first Covid lockdown – remains empty.

For archive photos showing the history of Ashford's Cineworld, click here.