Lights, camera – action! The movies are back at Park Royal in West Vancouver.
Today, in a special release from Cineplex Canada, Park Royal and the Squamish Nation, it was announced that a new luxury theatre complex will be built housing 11 screens, state-of-the-art sound, reclining chairs and a VIP adults-only lounge with wine, craft beer, food service and more.
The 44,000 sq ft facility is scheduled to open in late 2018 and will be located at the South mall on the upper level at the back of the shopping centre, approximately between and adjacent to what is currently The Brick furniture store and Best Buy.
The initial plans for introducing the movie theatres have been in the works for about five years. Today, it became final and adds to Park Royal’s already extensive expansion which also recently welcomed a new Keg Restaurant, RYU Apparel, Simons department store, Sephora, Loblaws CityMarket, Chipotle and more. Work also continues for the anticipated opening of a Steve Nash Fitness Club, Saks and a new BC Liquor Store touted to be the largest in the province.
In the release, vice-president of communications for Cineplex Entertainment Pat Marshall said they were thrilled to be able to put together the plans. “After many years of searching for a new location in West Vancouver, we are extremely pleased to share the news that we are building this new theatre complex and our fourth VIP Cinemas experience in British Columbia at the Park Royal Shopping Centre.”
Many in West Vancouver, including Mayor Michael Smith, are hoping the new theatre will bring back some life to the bedroom community that is famously known for shutting its doors at 9pm.
Park Royal vice-president Rick Amantea said the new theatres are key to Park Royal’s neighbourhood vision. The shopping centre formerly housed a movie theatre which held nostalgic memories for anyone growing up in the community. Falling into disrepair and out of vogue technologically, the old cinema closed its doors in 1999.
“On behalf of the Larco Group it is my pleasure to inform you that after several years of planning and discussions we have reached an agreement with Cineplex to bring cinemas to Park Royal. The new state of the art entertainment facility will provide the best movie going experience in Metro Vancouver and will delight the residents of our community,” said Amantea.
“We want to thank the Squamish Nation for their review and approval of this exciting addition to Park Royal along with West Vancouver residents for their continued interest and support in bringing a movie theatre back to the community. The support and encouragement we received helped us stay the course and we share this successful completion with you. The new Cineplex VIP Cinemas at Park Royal are an important piece to the Park Royal Neighbourhood Vision to create the best live, work, shop and play environment on the North Shore.”
The new movie theatre vows to help change that and bring back a much needed family fun venue to the area. The VIP cinema will be similar in nature to the one located at the Marine Gateway at the foot of Cambie St. in Vancouver. For a modest price increase (approx +$15) adults will gain entry to the VIP theatre lounge where they can meet beforehand to sit at tables or go to the bar to enjoy cocktails, wine, beer and a wide selection of food from a specially prepared menu that include burgers, finger foods and, of course, popcorn. Guests can even have their order delivered to their reclining chair in the theatre which comes with cup holders and side tables to enjoy the goodies in comfort.
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– Catherine Barr
Twitter/Instagram – @catherinebarr
