Ashford Picturehouse confirms opening date at Elwick Place

The opening date for a new six-screen cinema in a Kent town has been confirmed.

The Picturehouse cinema in Ashford will open on Saturday, December 15.

Three screens will be able to show 3D films and it will be the first Picturehouse cinema to have a laser projector, with 35 members of staff running the site.

The new attraction forms part of a £75m leisure complex called Elwick Place which will also include a 58-room Travelodge.

Ashford Picturehouse will have indoor and outdoor seating, a large auditorium will be available for affordable private hire and community functions and the cinema says it will be serving both hot and cold food, offer an extensive drink menu, indulgent treats and healthy snacks.

The new build is being described as the 'perfect spot for food, film and socialising'.

Carol McKay, director of programming for Picturehouse Cinemas, said: “From quality mainstream movies to the best of world cinema, we look forward to bringing a diverse range of films to our new six-screen home in Ashford. Our programme caters to all audience tastes, budgets and backgrounds, with strands like Kids’ Club, free Member screenings, Slackers Club for students, Dementia-Friendly and weekly curated shows within Discover Tuesday and Vintage Sundays. We’re looking forward to introducing Ashford to the Picturehouse experience.”

In 2012, Cineworld - which already has a cinema on the Eureka Leisure Park - snapped up the Picturehouse chain in a deal worth £47.3m.

Ashford Borough Council leader Gerry Clarkson said: “This is the first time Picturehouse has invested in Kent and I’m delighted that the borough continues to be a real draw for the very best commercial enterprises and remains an obvious choice for expanding, thriving and established businesses."

Bosses say every screen will have an infrared system to play audio-described tracks, when available, offering voice commentary through headphones to those who might benefit.

The cinema - which has been built on the former cattle market - will show ‘indie and art-house’ films as well as ‘mainstream blockbusters’, according to bosses.

For more information about Picturehouse in Ashford click here.