Ipswich Cineworld to get a facelift as new Empire prepares to open soon

Cineworld Ipswich. Picture: SU ANDERSON

Ipswich’s Cineworld is to get a new-look in its foyer as it prepares to battle with the new Empire Cinema due to open at the Buttermarket Centre later this month.

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The 11-screen Cineworld on Cardinal Park has dominated the film market in Ipswich since the Odeon closed in the town in 2005.

But it will be joined by the new 12-screen Empire which is due to open its doors on March 31 bringing more competition to the town.

Now it is updating its foyer – a move that will temporarily close Starbucks in the cinema while the work is completed.

Over the last few years Cineworld – which originally opened as Virgin Cinema in 1998 – has undergone major investment.

In 2012 its Imax screen opened – and last year it introduced a 4DX screen with vibrating seats, air blasts and even water jets to involve cinema-goers in the action.

Now the cinema has written to holders of its Unlimited Card saying: “We’re excited to announce that we’re about to undergo some changes to make your local Cineworld Ipswich even better!

“To complete the refit we will be closing the Starbucks for a short period.

“But don’t worry, while we’re having our refurbishment you’ll still be able to catch the latest blockbusters including Kong: Skull Island, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Fast & Furious 8 in all the best formats, including IMAX and 4DX!”

The work at Cineworld will see the two cinemas going head to head – Empire is surrounded by a number of family restaurants including Wagamama, Byron Burger, Coast To Coast, Prezzo and Cosy Club.

There are still further cafe/restaurant units next to it which are expected to be let within the next few months.

Meanwhile Cardinal Park which is dominated by Cineworld is home to Nando’s, Harvester, Frankie and Bennys, Ask Pizza, and Harvester – as well as McDonalds and KFC fast food outlets.

No one from the cinema’s media office was able to give further information about the proposed work in Ipswich – but there is speculation that the upper floor Starbucks could be converted into a new family-orientated restaurant operated by a well-known chain and that the coffee shop could move downstairs.