Broughton's brand new state-of-the-art cinema has attracted a huge influx of visitors to the town’s shopping park, boosting trade for shops and restaurants.
The 11-screen Broughton Cineworld has proved a massive hit with movie-lovers and Broughton Shopping Park chiefs say since the multiplex opened on May 8 there has been a “strong increase in footfall” at the shopping centre.
The cinema is home to North Wales’ first and only IMAX screen – the 16th in the UK – which Cineworld bosses claim is attracting people from miles around.
It is the final piece of the multi-million pound extension to the shopping park which includes an array of restaurants including Prezzo, Frankie and Benny’s, Chiquito, Nando’s and PizzaExpress.
Deputy centre manager at Broughton Shopping Park Charlie Warr told the Daily Post: “The opening of Cineworld and the new restaurants at Broughton Shopping Park were hotly anticipated by our retailers and our shoppers. As expected they have brought a renewed energy to the shopping park which is already home to over 30 of the UK’s best brands.
“We have seen a strong increase in footfall since the completion of the new development, as shoppers are choosing to spend more time at the park and visit more often thanks to its new entertainment offer, plus the variety of dining options including Nando’s, Chiquito, Prezzo, Frankie & Benny’s and PizzaExpress.
She added that they expect the shopping park to become even more popular when Primark, M&S Foodhall and Specsavers open their doors later in the year.
Restaurants on the park have also told how they have experienced an upturn in trade thanks to the cinema.
A PizzaExpress spokeswoman said: “Since opening in February we’ve had a fantastic response from customers. We expected to see some uplift following the opening of the new cinema, which has been the case.”
Prezzo spokesman Eddie Gershon added: “The Prezzo restaurant in Broughton has proven popular since opening.
“The opening of the cinema is excellent news as it has helped to attract even more people to the complex, which is good news for the Prezzo restaurant.”
Business has also been booming at the cinema itself with screenings of the latest Hollywood blockbusters including Tomorrowland being packed.
Michelle McClean, Cineworld Broughton general manager said: “The cinema opening here in Broughton has been absolutely fantastic for the community. The reaction from customers has been phenomenal and the feedback on social media has been incredible.”
Senior vice-president of marketing at Cineworld Justin Skinner told the Daily Post: “People are prepared to travel a further distance for IMAX than movies in 2D or 3D so our reach is really all of North Wales, Chester and the surrounding areas.”
He added: “The opening of Cineworld as well as the restaurants make it a great destination – you could spend the whole day here if you wanted to.”
