By LIA SPENCER
ABOUT 40 new jobs will be up for grabs when the Gold Class and VMAX cinemas are completed at Westfield Fountain Gate this year.
Village Cinemas recently announced it was making a significant investment to refurbish and extend its cinemas at Fountain Gate, giving the complex another Vmax cinema and launching Gold Class in late 2013.
Holt MP Anthony Byrne met with Village Cinemas Australia CEO Kirk Edwards and Westfield Fountain Gate centre manager Jonathan Codman last week to promote the extension.
Mr Byrne said the $32 million combined investment by Village Cinemas and Westfield would create more than 40 new jobs and provide the local community with one of the best cinema experiences in Australia.
The complex already boasts 10 auditoriums including one Vmax cinema and, once the refurbishment is complete, there will be 14 auditoriums with the inclusion of three Gold Class cinemas and an additional Vmax screen featuring stadium seating and Dolby Digital surround sound, offering a total of 2600 seats.
The most distinctive feature of the revamped cinema will be three Gold Class auditoriums each seating 40 guests who will be pampered with a private bar and lounge reception and full electronic reclining armchairs. Guests will be provided with friendly, first class service direct to their armchairs. A special Gold Class menu features an extensive range of food and beverage refreshments, from cocktails and canapés through to the traditional cinema favorites.
Mr Edwards said the launch of the new and luxurious Gold Class and Vmax would create a hype regarding the complete cinematic experience for Fountain Gate customers.
“For as long as movies remain a core part of popular culture and entertainment, we want to ensure our facilities are in the best possible shape to guarantee our customers enjoy a first-class theatrical experience,” Mr Edwards said.
Westfield Fountain Gate recently completed a $340million redevelopment which made it the second largest shopping centre in Australia and the largest in Westfield’s Australian portfolio, spanning 171,800m2 with 440 retailers- 175 of whom were new to the centre.
The centre undertook the major redevelopment to meet the needs of a growing population and the changing socio-economic profile of locals.
