Odeon multiplex cinema's grand launch heralds a bright future for Llanelli
FILM lovers in Llanelli have been flocking to a brand new cinema — heralded as "the start of a brighter future".
The town's new Odeon multiplex cinema officially opened on Friday following a special premiere evening on Thursday.
At the event, VIP guests including schools and community groups were treated to an exclusive screening of Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted.
And all were full of praise for the five-screen cinema — which has the most advanced sound system of any in the UK.
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Town mayor Winston Lemon said: "My first impression on walking in is that the cinema is outstanding.
"It's great to be here on this special occasion.
"Hopefully it will bring people back to Llanelli and liven up the town centre."
And Carmarthenshire councillor Jim Jones said: "It's wonderful to see Llanelli coming alive once again.
"This is the start, I hope, of a brighter future for the town.
"Being in the new cinema you don't feel like you're in Llanelli — you feel like you're in Swansea or Cardiff."
Students from Coedcae School were also invited to the glamorous opening — with head and deputy head boys and girls enjoying the night.
Assistant head teacher Justine Allen said: "I think it's fantastic and all the students have been so excited to come tonight.
"They are the ones who will be using the cinema, so I think it's lovely that they could come.
"It looks amazing, and I think it will be great for the town."
Glan y Mor School pupils were also invited to the opening.
School site manager Warren Booth said: "I think youngsters will really appreciate having a nice new cinema to go to. They all think it's amazing."
And Llanelli Library manager Mark Jewell said: "I'm overwhelmed. It's really exciting to be here.
"The cinema looks really modern, and I really hope it will give the town a boost."
The new cinema is the second part of the five-phase £60 million regeneration scheme in the town to be completed — with the new public library having already opened — and has created 28 new jobs for the town.
A council spokesman said screenings were fully booked on Friday, saying Llanelli had "waited patiently for 74 years" since the last new cinema opened — also an Odeon, in 1938.
General manager Nick Price said: "We are thrilled to open our doors to all cinemagoers across Llanelli and be part of the fantastic investment in the area.
"We look forward to welcoming local film fans through our doors on the community screening evening and every day for years to come."
And Carmarthenshire Council leader Kevin Madge said: "It's fantastic to see the first part of the East Gate scheme opening.
"The new Odeon cinema is a state- of-the-art building with the latest technology and will be a welcome addition to Llanelli town centre."
Odeon will be joined at East Gate by Nandos, Travelodge, Costa, Ben & Jerry's, the Scarlets Experience, Jenkins Bakery, and Y Ffwrnes theatre, set to open in December.
Comments
by weslangdon
Wednesday, November 07 2012, 5:09PM
“Its finished inside and it's as comfortable as the best in Swansea, worth a trip”
by maxmin
Monday, October 22 2012, 2:33PM
“llareggub It's not a question of being negative but we have had a succession of white elephants foisted on us over the years. Technium Centre, North Dock offices, Millenium Park, Elli Centre just to name four.
All of them suffer from inadequate marketing which leads to them being open with many units being unlet, which in turn leads to possible customers being put off.
If the Eastgate Centre is a success I will applaud it but I fear we are going to be treated to the majority of units being deserted.”
by llareggub
Monday, October 22 2012, 9:24AM
“Well I have actually BEEN there, seen a film and had a cuppa there, although not had the Tshirt yet ha ha!! I think it is a great place and will actually save me money in the long term as I wont have to pay to travel to Swansea or Carmarthen to see a film. Why are people so quick to moan and take a negative attitude towards everything? I admit, its not the tidiest of places outside, but that will soon change as the other places open.”
by odinhouse
Saturday, October 20 2012, 4:15PM
“This may end up a WHITE Elephant, who is going to pay the price's to go there, money is Tight at the moment. and the people that went there i think on opening night went Free , may be wrong. and its to near the night Club's , people will be full of nerves going that end of the town, But GOOD Luck ..”
by maxmin
Saturday, October 20 2012, 9:56AM
“You are joking of course. Why not have some photographs of the exterior of the building instead? Possible because it looks like a building site - because it is! I drove past there yesterday and was horrified at the amount of building materials, rubbish and general mess surrounding the cinema.
It looked like a suburban minefield!”