A renewed cinema hub has opened with plenty of fanfare and the promise of blockbuster movies at budget prices.
The Nambour Cinemas was officially launched on Thursday, when moviegoers got their first genuine look at the revamped premises at C-Square.
It has essentially replaced Majestic Cinemas, which closed amid financial difficulties in April.
Owner Luke Warburton, who previously successfully revived a cinema space at Caloundra, was delighted to welcome patrons.
He said more than 300 tickets were already snapped up for the venue’s opening weekend, which includes showings of big hits Wicked and Moana 2.
Mr Warburton said Nambour Cinemas was unique.
“It’s all about the offering and the price point,” he said.
“We know that if people receive a great movie experience at a reasonable price they are bound to come back more often.
“We’ve proved that at Bribie Island and at Caloundra, with continued investments like putting in recliners and upgrading sound and picture. People notice those things.”
Standard tickets are $10 and platinum tickets are $15.
“You can’t get that anywhere else,” he said.
“Having that (offering and price) I feel like we’re going to able to attract lots of people from all over the Sunshine Coast.
“We’re open, we’re at a reasonable price and cinema-going is still the most affordable out-of-home entertainment option there is.”
The complex has four revamped cinemas, including one with 330 seats, one with 60 seats, one with 50 seats and a ‘platinum’ theatre with 76 recliner seats, laser projection and bigger screen.
The venue has a fresh facade, a candy bar that includes $3 popcorn, a commercial kitchen, upgraded air conditioning and new bathrooms.
Beer, wine, coffee and cocktails are available, while hot food will be available in the new year.
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“Now that we’re opened, I feel relieved,” Mr Warburton said.
“It’s been an absolute journey to get here, from when Majestic exited the site.
“When it became available, I reached out to the landlord and got the ball rolling.
“I made contact at the perfect time as the landlord was just about to begin (upgrade) works on C-Square.”
As a result, some of the improvements at the cinemas were paid for by the landlord, including the new bathrooms that include disability and parents’ rooms.
Mr Warburton said the launch of the venue came at the perfect time.
“There are so many good movies at the moment and so many on the slate for next year,” he said.
“We’ve opened with Wicked, which has made a ton of money around the world, and Moana 2, which had the biggest animated film opening of all time.”
Also showing is Venom: The Last Dance, Red One, Heretic and Gladiator II.
Coming soon is Mufasa: The Lion King, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Paddington in Peru, Bridge Jones: Mad About the Boy, Captain America: Brave New World, Disney’s Snow White and more.
