Latest news with #StrandCinema
Rhyl Journal
a day ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
New-look Rhyl promenade re-opens after coastal defence works
The promenade re-opened today (August 15), after closing for renovations as part of coastal defence works. Having been raised for coastal protection, the prom now features a newly poured surface. The re-opened Rhyl promenade (Image: Adrian Evans) New access ramps have also been added, to help with accessibility. Also on the prom, pre-cast concrete steps have been installed, as well as street lighting new street furniture, flood gates, and handrails. Led by artist Ffion Pritchard, who enlisted the help of a number of community groups, a series of community-inspired new murals will also be installed, which will span the new coastal defences. The re-opened Rhyl promenade (Image: Adrian Evans) As well as the opening of the new prom, the new Drift Park play area is set to open in its original location, with a new and improved community-chosen design, in September. Cllr Jason McLellan, leader of Denbighshire County Council and lead member for economic growth and tackling deprivation, said: 'The work undertaken as part of the sea defence project has been vital and necessary to protect our coastline, homes and businesses from flooding and increasingly frequent adverse weather events. 'The prom has been raised significantly, and new flood protection measures have been implemented. The re-opened Rhyl promenade (Image: Adrian Evans) 'We would like to thank the public for their patience and co-operation during this period. The project is almost complete. 'The work on the Central Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme is an important step in terms of the protection of our coastline, along with the Central Prestatyn Coastal Defence Scheme, which was competed and officially opened recently. 'This work is part of the larger regeneration plans for Rhyl. 'With the newly re-opened Queen's Market seeing brilliant footfall, and the soon-to-be opened Drift Park, along with the new Strand Cinema, this is a really exciting time for Rhyl.'
Rhyl Journal
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
New name of Rhyl cinema revealed as opening draws closer
As Merlin Cinemas breathes new life into the currently-closed former Vue cinema in Rhyl, they have confirmed that it will reopen under the new name of Strand Cinema, subject to completing lease arrangements with Denbighshire County Council. While work is already underway behind the scenes, the exact reopening date is still a work in progress, the company said. Plans are moving ahead, but the team is "holding off" on promising a specific opening date just yet. 'It's an exciting project, and we'd love to be open in time for the autumn slate of films,' added Geoff Greaves, managing director at Merlin Cinemas. "But it's important to us that we get this right and not rush things. "We should have a good idea of an expected opening date soon.' Strand Cinema Rhyl will operate alongside its sister cinema in Prestatyn, Scala Cinema, which is already part of the Merlin Cinemas group of independent cinemas. MORE: 6,000 free tickets snapped up for Rhyl Summertime Weekender Leader of Denbighshire County Council, Councillor Jason McLellan said, 'It's so exciting to see another business on the verge of opening on the prom in Rhyl. "Following the huge success of the opening of Queen's Market, this will be another attraction for residents and visitors alike and will be part of the catalyst for regeneration in our seaside town. "We're so pleased that Merlin Cinemas have stepped in and this further demonstrates confidence from the private sector in Rhyl's future. "When Strand Cinema opens, I urge residents to support it as well as other leisure facilities in the town – we need everyone to be backing our businesses to ensure their continued success.' Merlin Cinemas began its journey 35 years ago with a single screen in Penzance in Cornwall, and now operates over 20 cinemas across the UK. Known for saving and restoring historic and modern venues alike, Merlin is committed to keeping cinema-going affordable, accessible, and magical for local communities.
BreakingNews.ie
27-05-2025
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Historic art deco cinema going back to the future in major revamp
A historic Belfast picturehouse is set to go back to the future in a major transformation. The Strand, which is also Belfast's only operational art deco cinema, has released a first look at its £6.5 million (€7.7 million) face lift, with new CGIs that reveal a return to original art deco features with a contemporary twist. Advertisement The attraction in east Belfast is set to reopen in summer 2026 following the work supported by Belfast City Council and a £1.8 million commitment from the Belfast Investment Fund. The Strand is Belfast's only operational art-deco picturehouse. Photo: Strand Arts Centre/PA It originally opened on December 7th, 1935, and survived the bombing blitzes of the second World War and changing entertainment tastes in the intervening decades while scores of picturehouses and cinemas closed. The images show the restoration of architectural features that were lost over the decades. For the first time, the Strand's name will stand atop its roof, using the original font that previously graced the side of the picturehouse in 1935, while the building's front facade will be restored with hand-glazed, blue-green terracotta tiles in the same material and style used when the doors first opened 90 years ago. Advertisement Meanwhile the canopy that spanned the front of the building has been removed, restoring the original 1935 profile of the Strand and allowing south-facing sun to fill a new cafe bar space, creating a bright and welcoming hub at the heart of the venue. The ground floor will feature a Crittall-look window, echoing the original curved glass shopfront on the street corner. Bike stands outside will support active travel, while level access and a new lift will make the building fully accessible for the first time, widening the venue's ability to cater for a diverse range of audiences. The Strand originally opened in 1935 and survived the bombing blitzes of the second World War Strand chief executive Mimi Turtle said it is a celebration of the building's heritage. Advertisement 'We are thrilled to be sharing these highly-anticipated CGIs, which give people a taste of what the new and improved Strand will look like when we reopen our doors next summer,' she said. 'It was essential to us that the building's heritage was both protected and celebrated, while implementing vital enhancements and features that will strengthen the Strand's offering for future generations to come. 'Over the coming months, our team will continue to support the wider community and keep everyone connected to our treasured venue. 'We've been hosting our popular silver-screenings in Belmont Bowling Club, and we're looking forward to sharing further updates on both the restoration progress, and community activities being held across different locations.' Advertisement Entertainment Cillian Murphy and his wife buy Dingle's only cine... Read More Alongside the support of Belfast City Council, additional funding has been secured from Levelling Up Funding UK, Belfast City Council's Belfast Investment Fund, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Garfield Weston, Foyle Foundation, Ulster Garden Villages, and a number of private trusts and the support of the Strand's patrons. Meanwhile in the lead up to the Strand's summer 2026 reopening, the venue's fundraising initiative, Name a Seat campaign is calling out for both corporates and individuals to take part and purchase its last remaining plaques that will be placed in its new screen rooms. To find out more about the campaign, or further information about the Strand, visit or connect with @StrandBelfast on Facebook and @ on Instagram.
