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Cinema opening marks 'turning point' for centre

Shariqua Ahmed/BBC Four members of Odeon staff pose behind the bar for a picture. There are two women and two men, all wearing navy shirts. Behind them is a popcorn machine and in front of them is a cash register. Shariqua Ahmed/BBC
A total of 60 jobs have been created as a result of Odeon opening

Shopping centre bosses have said they hope the opening of a new cinema was the "turning point" in its fortunes.

Odeon is due to open its newest venue at Queensgate Shopping Centre, in Peterborough, at 11:00 GMT on Sunday.

The 25,000 sq ft cinema was built with more than 600 seats across eight screens and created 60 jobs in the process.

"It's very exciting and a lot of the retailers are excited for it to be here," said Verity Swinscoe-Wigmore, events and marketing co-ordinator at Queensgate.

Shariqua Ahmed/BBC The entrance to the foyer at the new Odeon. There is a neon sign to the right that reads "Odeon Luxe IMAX". The carpet is brown with a triangular pattern. There are various drinks machines and a bar in the background. The ceiling has neon blue strips running across it.Shariqua Ahmed/BBC
The new cinema has 600 seats across eight screens, including an IMAX

The renowned Harry Potter and Star Wars actor Warwick Davis is set to cut the ribbon during the opening on Sunday.

It would follow a difficult period for the centre, following the exit of retailers including John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Next.

Shariqua Ahmed/BBC Inside one of the cinema rooms. There are many rows of padded black seats, gradually getting higher up towards the back of the room. A few people are browsing in the rows. The walls are black.Shariqua Ahmed/BBC
Queensgate bosses hope the cinema will drive increased footfall

Ms Swinscoe-Wigmore said: "It's definitely the new chapter of Queensgate; it's definitely a turning point.

"I think there's a lot of excitement about it."

Queensgate owner Invesco Retail Estate previously said Odeon's arrival would be a "catalyst in its revival".

Suzie Welch, of Odeon Cinemas Group, said being at the "heart and soul" of the community at Queensgate was an attractive proposition for the chain.

"Cinema and film evokes such memories for people and, for us, it's about how we bring people in, the experience we give," she added.

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