By Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Vue Cinema in Southport is ready to unveil its impressive new look to families this February Half Term after a multi-million makeover.
Work has been taking place in recent months to transform the 8-screen venue, at Ocean Plaza Leisure retail park, next to Southport’s seafront, and create an elevated experience for movie-goers.
The improvements, which began on 14th October last year, have been welcomed by Manager Emily Barrett-Heath and her 33-strong team, some of whom have worked at the venue for as long as 20 years.
It is the biggest investment to happen at the site since it opened its doors in 2001, before being taken over and operated by Vue since 2003.
The upgrades which have been introduced have been extensive.
They include the first electronic ticket barriers that Vue Cinema has installed in the UK.
They allow visitors to scan their tickets for entry, instead of the old-fashioned practice of needing something standing and ripping tickets as people went in.
Members of the team will still be on hand to help customers with whatever they need.
There are brand new cinema projectors and sound systems, which means the viewing experience is better than ever before.
Viewers will be able to watch movies from some of the most comfortable Lux recliner seats in Southport.
The seats have footrests and have the option to recline four ways, while also including tables to rest your drinks and snacks on.
The VIP Lux seats in the auditoriums are bigger still.
The seats are bigger and there is also more room in front, so gone are the days when everyone had to stand up to let someone walk past them along the aisle.
It means the cinema has reduced its seating capacity from 1,200 seats to 663.
The result is a better experience for cinema-goers, although with less seating available, people are encouraged to download the Vue Cinema app or go online and book their tickets in advance before they visit to ensure they have seats secured for the time best for them.
As you walk through the doors, you’ll be greeted by the smell of freshly cooked popcorn, thanks to the new popcorn machines which now regularly cooks it fresh.
The Ben & Jerry’s ice cream counter has been moved to become part of the main counter, with an improved offering.
There is a new M&M dispensing machine; you can get freshly roasted coffee from a Lavazza machine; different flavours of Coca Cola from a Coke dispensing machine; or three flavours of Tango Ice Blast.
The entrance lobby has been enlarged and upgraded.
The tables and chairs in the lounge area have been replaced and upgraded.
Toilet facilities have been revamped and improved.
You can still enjoy free parking while watching your favourite films, as you validate your parking ticket inside the entrance.
One thing that hasn’t changed – the magic of going to the cinema.
Vue Manager Emily Barrett-Heath said: “The changes we have put into place over these past few months have been extensive!
“We are all really pleased with the difference. The overall experience when people come and see movies now is much better.
“The seats are incredibly comfortable! The bigger seats and extra comfort means there are fewer seats available, which is one of the reasons why we’re encouraging people to book online and secure their seats before they come.
“The other reason is that booking online will save people money, with online tickets at least £1 cheaper each ticket.
“There are great offers too with a large range of Vue partners such as Meerkat, Sky Movies, Lloyds Bank, Monzo and more.
“We are looking forward to a really busy Half Term both here at Vue and in Southport generally.
“We have some great films on, including Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, which has several fully booked screenings already; as well as Captain America: Brave New World, and kids’ films including Dog Man, Paddington In Peru, Mufasa: The Lion King, The Sloth Lane and Moana 2.
“Vue Southport has become a real destination cinema. The closest big cinema to us is at Switch Island. We are starting to notice more and more people travelling from around the region to come and watch movies here.
“We are in such a great location at Ocean Plaza Leisure. We have other attractions such as Ten Pin Bowling and Playtown close by, along with some great restaurants such as Roberto’s, Nando’s, Good Hood and Kaspa’s, along with the free parking concessions available. It means families can make a real day to enjoy during their visit to Southport.
“We have a few bits left to tidy up, a couple of things left to finish off, but we are mostly there.
“People who have been in here say they love the changes.
“When the work was starting, our regular film buffs were asking us if our projectors were being replaced – they have been and the picture quality now, along with the new sound quality, is so much better.
“Oue new electric gates are the first ones that Vue has installed in the UK. We are something of a guinea pig! It is great they have chosen us to set the standard.
“The new gates will make life so much easier for people and cut down any queues to get in. It means our colleagues on the gates can now do other things instead of standing there checking everyone’s tickets.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone this February Half Term to see what they think!”
Southport is a town which is really going places at the moment, with building work happening everywhere.
Near Vue, contractors are on site creating the new £73 million Marine Lake Events Centre along with the adjacent water and light show – the first of its kind in the UK.
Other schemes due to appear nearby include the new Cove Resort; the public realm works to improve Southport Market Quarter; the new Southport Enterprise Arcade, and more.
Emily said: “Vue has invested heavily in upgrading this venue. It shows the huge confidence they have in Southport as a town. And they’re not the only ones investing at the moment.
“Southport is seeing improvements in so many areas, and it’s really exciting that Vua Cinema is part of that investment and the changes that are taking place.
“We all want to see more reasons for more people to come and visit Southport, and we’re looking forward to a really busy February Half Term.
“There is so much happening in Southport for people to enjoy.
“They include the 10 bear sculptures that Southport BID and Sefton BID have placed in a trail around Southport town centre for families to find. It’s such a fun idea!
“After everything that happened last year, we want to see people coming back and making happy memories here in Southport.”
- For more details about what’s on at Vue Cinema Southport please visit: www.myvue.com/cinema/southport/whats-on
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrownn@gmail.com
