‘World class’ Sydney IMAX Theatre to reopen after 7 year renovation

An iconic Aussie venue shuttered for seven years will finally reopen after “world class” renovations.

An iconic Sydney venue that shut its doors more than seven years ago will finally reopen after an extensive renovation.

The city’s only IMAX cinema first opened in 1996, but just two decades later was demolished as part of a major harbourside renovation.

Reopening on Wednesday, the new IMAX cinema boasts a whopping 692m2 screen – among the world’s largest screens.

The cinema, which will be operated by Event Cinemas, will use new Laser technology and has a range of seat types.

Event Cinemas CEO Jane Hasting said the new site sets a “new benchmark for immersive cinema entertainment”.

The new IMAX cinema boasts a whopping 692m2 screen – among the world’s largest screens. Picture: Supplied

The opening comes after years of speculation about the future of the Darling Habour-side cinema complex.

The cinema, and adjoining new W Sydney building, had been the centre of a years-long ownership dispute.

The $1 billion building project kicked off in 2016 having first been given development approval years earlier.

Those construction ownership issues, along with the Covid-19 pandemic, pushed back the opening of the new precinct.

On Sunday, Sydney residents reported online seeing fencing around the site removed ahead of the building’s opening.

The cinema is located inside the new W Sydney building. Picture: Supplied

IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond described the cinema as having also been the “cultural centre” of the Harbour City.

“IMAX Sydney immediately joins the ranks of our flagship locations,” Me Gelfond said.

“It‘s a shining example of what the theatrical experience should aspire to.”

Tickets for opening night went on sale earlier in the week, with Avatar 2 and Top Gun Maverick being among the first films to be shown.

The cinema, which will be operated by Event Cinemas, will use new Laser technology and has a range of seat types. Picture: Supplied

The hotly anticipated Taylor Swift The Eras Tour film will also air at the cinema ahead of the pop-star’s Australian tour next year.

IMAX cinemas use larger screen types and a different aspect ratio in conjunction with sound and laser projection technologies.

There is currently only one other IMAX cinema in Australia, which is located in the Melbourne suburb of Carlton.

Originally published as ‘World class’ Sydney IMAX Theatre to reopen after 7 year renovation