A MULTI-MILLION pound revamp of Rhyl’s Apollo cinema complex has started.
The cinema closed its doors on Monday for a £2.6 million upgrade which should be completed by July.
Nearly half of the money came from the Assembly Government and Denbighshire County Council as part of a redevelopment scheme for the promenade.
Improvements at the five screen cinema will include new seating, all 3D-enabled auditoria as well as upgraded digital technology.
The public areas will also be upgraded to include concession outlets and two terraces.
Works to the promenade will include improvements to the parking area around the cinema and Skytower.
An entertainment plaza will be used for a variety of events, such as open air cinema, live entertainment, and a ‘winter wonderland Christmas festival’.
Cllr David Thomas, Denbighshire’s Cabinet Lead Member for Regeneration, said: “This is excellent news for Rhyl as a whole and will greatly improve the visitor offer for tourists and residents alike.
“Regeneration is one of Denbighshire’s top priorities and the authority has contributed £237,000 to the scheme which will play an integral role in regenerating the town.”
Ann Jones, AM for the Vale of Clwyd said: “This is not just good news for those who will benefit from the jobs, it will have a knock effect for the town as a whole. If more people spend their leisure time in Rhyl, local businesses have real opportunities.
“As well as these short term economic gains, I hope we can start to improve the image of Rhyl with this development.
“Too many people have the wrong impression of our town and that needs to be put right if we are going to win long term improvements.”