Cineworld The Gate

Background

Located in The Gate leisure complex in Newcastle city centre, the 12-screen Odeon opened in November 2002, after the closure of the Odeon (former Paramount Theatre) in Pilgrim Street. It was almost immediately taken over by Empire Cinemas and re-named Empire.

Seating capacities in the screens range from 436, down to 67
In the Autumn of 2011, work began refurbishing and extending the cinema. It now has the original 12 screens plus 4 Studio screens. Cineworld acquired the venue from Empire in 2017 and has since invested in a comprehensive modernisation programme.

Works to include the installation of a 390 – seat “superscreen’ updated seating and screens across nine auditoriums, refurbished restrooms and a revamped foyer and concession stands.

Cineworld has also introduced its immersive ‘4DX’ and “Screen X” offering and opened a new Starbucks café at the cinema, which is located within The Gate shopping and leisure complex.

Challenges

The challenge was to refurbish all 16 screens, the foyer, and all restroom facilities with the cinema still operational, and one of the biggest challenges was managing the construction works during the expansion of the foyer, the installation of a high level fire escape above the foyer, fire separation, and dust suppression during the demolition and construction had to be managed to allow the cinema to keep the foyer operational and maintaining concession facilities for cinema goers. Access to the 2nd floor of The Gate is limited which made the handling of goods and materials and the removal of waste troublesome.

Solutions

Phasing the refurbishment allowed us to segregate the construction works from the public and staff and allowed us to hand back completed refurbished areas safely before commencing on the next phase. During the refurbishment of the foyer, we installed birdcage scaffolds to form enclosed spaces below for the public to utilize whilst we carried out the structural installation of the fire escape walkway from projection level, the installation and commissioning of the new sprinkler system, and the curved raft ceilings. During the expansion of the foyer into the shopping Centre, fire separation and dust suppression were achieved by having 24 hour management on site, wireless heat detectors throughout the foyer and new proposed areas, as well as dust cubes to recycle and clean the air to try and limit the dust within the shopping Centre. Works within this area was limited to being carried out whilst the cinema was closed overnight to limit the exposure to the public and staff.

Results

Cineworld Newcastle general manager John Hodgson said: “Not only do we have an amazing revamped cinema, but we are excited to be the first in the North East to introduce movie fans to ScreenX.

“Our cinema boasts a wealth of opportunities for the local community to experience film like never before and we look forward to welcoming them into the cinema to watch many of the great films out on release.”

Inge Johnson Mitchell, centre manager at The Gate, commented: “The new Cineworld offering is a fantastic addition to The Gate.

“As the premier city centre leisure destination our customers expect the best and the cinema refurbishment has certainly delivered this. Cineworld launched 4DX with motion seats and effects, a fantastic Superscreen, and now a first for Newcastle, ScreenX, which we are very excited about.”

Inge added: “Along with a brand-new Starbucks customer can enjoy upcoming blockbusters like never before.”