Pentridge Cinema: Palace sets opening date for Coburg movies
For decades, it was home to the crookest of crooks in the state, including the likes of Mark ‘Chopper’ Read and Dennis ‘Mr Death’. But now this Coburg landmark is set for a much more family friendly role.
North West
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Once home to some of Victoria’s biggest villains, Pentridge will open its doors to the stars in December.
Movie lovers will have 15 screens to feast their eyes on as Palace Cinemas opens its newest complex inside the former jail.
The cinema complex can hold up to 1100 guests across its 15 auditoriums, all with luxurious fully reclining seats and boasting Dolby Atmos surround sound, promising the most elevated cinema viewing experience possible.
Palace Cinemas chief executive Benjamin Zeccola said the opening of Pentridge Cinema would be a welcome addition to Coburg.
“More Australians go to the movies than any other venue or event, reminding us how vital cinema is to our way of life and we can’t wait to open the newest edition to the Palace Cinemas family,” Mr Zeccola said.
The $2 million Pentridge restoration project built within the historic site includes contemporary architecture and engaging public spaces, including a 6500sq m piazza.
“Our vision for Pentridge is to create a vibrant, well-designed urban village that breathes new life into this historical asset, transforming it from one of Australia’s most prominent jails into a new community hub complete with retail, housing, community areas and open public spaces,” Anthony Goh from the developers of the site, Shayher Group, said.
Pentridge Cinema will open with blockbuster films like Death On The Nile, Coming 2 America, Free Guy & Wonder Woman 1984, along with family friendly favourites like Peter Rabbit 2, Connected and Soul.
When the cinema opens in December, there will be safety procedures in place to keep moviegoers protected.
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These include checkerboard seating allocation, allowing friends and family to sit together in groups of 2 while being physically distanced from other cinemagoers.
Pentridge Cinema will stagger session times to avoid unnecessary congestion in foyers, the provision of hand-sanitiser stations at cinema entrances and points of sale, contactless payment and requesting where possible to book online or over the phone.
Tickets for opening week can be bought here.