Omniplex Holdings, one of Ireland’s leading cinema operators, have signed an agreement with the landlords of Dublin’s Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre to create an Omniplex 12 Screen Cinema on the top deck of the car park at Stephens Green Shopping Centre.
This will be the first multiplex cinema complex on the south side of Dublin City Centre. Not since the closure, 25 years ago, of the Green Cinema on St Stephen’s Green, on the site of the Bank of Scotland HQ, has there been a mainstream cinema complex in the south side of the city. The location of the site adjacent to the LUAS green line terminus was also a significant deciding factor in proceeding with the project.
A feasibility study has shown that a cinema is possible on the existing structure. With the south city centre providing a substantial range of bars, restaurants and evening venues this opportunity presents a potentially very positive development for the city, subject to planning permission.
Speaking about the development Paul Anderson, Managing Director of Omniplex Holdings said “We are delighted to provide South Dublin City with its first major cinema complex. In signing an exclusivity agreement with the landlords we are now compiling plans for a 12 screen cinema on the top deck of the car park. The deal has been under discussion for nine months and it is hoped that a planning application will be submitted by the end of February.”
Similar to the Swan Cinemas, most of the structure will be built off-site using lightweight modular panels and then assembled on-site, making construction relatively quick. The existing centre can take the extra capacity, meaning additional structural supports would not be needed.
The exclusively Digital Projection complex will feature 3D and live events heavily in the programming schedule. Irish and Independent & Classic Cinema will also play an important part in scheduling.
Omnipex Stephen’s Green is provisionally scheduled to open in summer 2011.
