When Omniplex last week opened the doors to its first fully renovated multiplex on the British mainland, the people of Wigan could be forgiven for thinking that they were entering a brand-new multiplex, with a super-sized MAXX screen, top-end catering options, extensive bar offerings, comfortable electric recliners and a premium sound and picture experience. But behind the scenes there had been intense work to revive an old multiplex, which had closed due to financial difficulties in the wake of the pandemic, leaving the town in Greater Manchester without a local cinema.
CinemaNext, the UK and Europe's largest cinema integrator, played a crucial role in transforming the former Empire multiplex cinema in Wigan into Omniplex's latest cutting-edge entertainment venue, joining an illustrious portfolio of multiplex sites already open on the island of Ireland. The £3.5 million project, which opened its doors on July 4, 2024, showcases the latest in cinema technology as well as intelligent ways of sustainable use and re-use of projectors, thanks to CinemaNext's expertise, equipment and pan-European presence.
Paul John Anderson, Director of the Omniplex Cinema Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the project: "Our vision for Omniplex Wigan was to create an unparalleled cinema experience. CinemaNext's technical prowess and state-of-the-art equipment have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Their work has significantly contributed to making this our most ambitious and technologically advanced cinema to date." His father Paul, who oversaw the growth of the family-owned cinema group, spoke movingly at the opening of the cinema about it being, “not just a building - but a sanctuary for dreamers.”
CinemaNext's team, led by Jordan Bedding, Head of CinemaNext UK, worked tirelessly to service the cinema's projectors between March and June of this year. Bedding commented, "We're thrilled to have partnered with Omniplex on this exciting project, their first in Great Britain, having previously worked with them successfully in Ireland for a number of years. Our goal was to deliver a premium cinematic experience that would wow Wigan's movie-goers, and I believe we've achieved just that."
The technical upgrades included the servicing and supply of a range of ‘pre-loved’ Series 2 Barco projectors, complete with lenses, from CinemaNext’s office in The Netherlands. These projectors were paired with new GDC SR-1000 servers and CinemaNext’s PAA20+ automation units. To further enhance the viewing experience, CinemaNext provided laser light upgrade (LLU) units to convert the xenon projectors to laser, ensuring brighter, more vibrant visuals across all screens. The LLU also means lower electricity use, less need for maintenance and a lower carbon footprint. The projection setup includes two Barco DP2K-25B, one DP2K-19B, three DP2K-20C, and five DP2K-15C projectors, catering to various screen sizes and audience capacities within the multiplex.
On the audio front, CinemaNext supplied Crown XLS series amplifiers and Crown DSi monitors, contributing to the immersive sound experience that complements the stunning visuals. Bedding added, "The combination of upgraded projection systems and high-quality audio equipment ensures that every viewer, whether in the standard screens or the premium OmniplexMAXX auditorium, experiences films as the creators intended." This was demonstrated to great effect with the opening ceremony sneak preview of Warner Bros.’ highly anticipated action thriller “Twisters”.
Though CinemaNext was not responsible for any of the new food and beverage services, it would be remiss not to include these in a description of the Omniplex Wigen with its innovative approach to food and drink. At the heart of the multiplex’s culinary transformation is Joe's Food Truck, a striking, 23-foot-long classic Airstream trailer installed in the lobby. This unique food station offers an enticing array of cinema snacks that go far beyond traditional popcorn and nachos. Moviegoers can indulge in giant 24-inch pizzas (delicious!), crispy chicken tenders and hearty grilled sandwiches.
Complementing the food offerings is an inviting Beer & Cocktail Van, for a refreshing drink to accompany the movie of choice. This mobile bar offers a carefully curated selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, as well as an assortment of soft drinks for non-alcoholic options. Taking convenience to the next level, Omniplex has announced plans to launch a Service to Seat order system in the coming weeks. This innovative feature will allow patrons to scan a QR code and have their food and beverages delivered directly to their seats, ensuring they don't miss a moment of the action on screen.
This successful collaboration between CinemaNext and Omniplex demonstrates the ongoing commitment to enhancing the cinema experience in the UK, with Omniplex set to renovate further sites throughout their UK estate. As movie theaters continue to evolve and adapt to changing audience expectations, partnerships like this one play a crucial role in keeping the magic of cinema alive and thriving.
The newly refurbished Omniplex Wigan stands as a testament to what can be achieved when cinema operators and technology integrators work together, promising an exciting future for movie-goers in Wigan and setting a new standard for multiplexes across the country.
CinemaNext Powers Omniplex Wigan's State-of-the-Art Cinema Experience