New family cinema concept opens in Wakefield retail and leisure complex

A new affordable family-focused cinema concept is the latest attraction to launch at a Wakefield retail and leisure complex.

Reel Cinema has officially opened today (August 16) at The Ridings shopping centre in the heart of Wakefield.

Retail and leisure investor NewRiver has worked with the cinema brand to repurpose three retail units, totalling approximately 11,650 sq. ft in the upper mall of the centre on Cathedral Walk.

The new cinema marks the firm’s 14th venue, and the firm has plans to open a further 10 cinemas across the UK in the next five years.

Muhammad Faisal, head of operations at Reel Cinemas explained: “Wakefield is a wonderful city and the opportunity to open our first cinema in West Yorkshire was one we grabbed with both hands.

“The Ridings already attracts around 11 million customers a year and the centre’s family-friendly, community driven values really align with our own, so it felt like the perfect fit.”

David Charlton, asset manager at NewRiver, commented: “The introduction of Reel Cinema in Wakefield demonstrates our commitment to innovation in our shopping centres and our ability to adeptly address the oversupply of retail by repurposing the units to accommodate exciting new uses.

“With free parking for cinema customers, Reel will attract more people into the shopping centre day and night helping our existing retail partners as well as attracting new operators in both the retail and leisure sectors.”

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