Hoyts’ $5.5m Cronulla Cinemas plans submitted to council
A bar, dining and comfy new chairs are all part of Hoyts’ multimillion-dollar makeover plans for a Sydney heritage cinema that hasn’t had more than a lick of paint since 1998.
St George Shire Standard
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Comfortable new seats, a bar and a cafe are all on the cards for the historic Cronulla Cinemas as new owners Hoyts submitted multimillion-dollar makeover plans to the local council.
Hoyts rescued the beloved local venue after Events Cinemas sold off the venue earlier this year and now wants to invest $5.5 million to transform the dilapidated interiors for a fresh cinematic experience.
The proposed upgrades include a bar and the cinema brand’s signature motorised recliners in every cinema.
Hoyts emphasised nothing would change about the 1930s-era heritage-listed exterior, which remained standing in 1998 even when the rest of the building was demolished and revamped.
“Proposed internal works include full refurbishment of all auditoriums to accommodate new seats and associated platforms, new speakers and upgrades to projection systems, new floor and wall finishes,” the applicants wrote.
“(They also) include full refurbishment of the front of house, back of house, amenities, and (small) Cinemas 5 and 6.”
New concessions will include self-serve ticket kiosks, self-serve food and drink and a new bar and cafe on the northern side of the venue.
The cinema currently has franchise agreements with Eagle Boys pizza, Baskin Robbins ice cream and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
“The installation of digital projectors has enabled Hoyts to exceed the quality of digital television, while the upgrading of cinema seating with the installations of motorised recliners rival home comfort,” the applicants wrote.
“Although Hoyts anticipate it to be a small contributor, it is foreseen the introduction of alcohol will be another opportunity to replicate and improve and compete with the “at home” experience.”
The plans are now before Sutherland Shire Council.
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