Leeds cinemas to reopen with staggered film times and rearranged seating

Cinemas in Leeds will be allowed to reopen from July 4, when lockdown measures ease, but will feature new socially distanced seating configurations and staggered film start times.
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Multiplexes and smaller screens have been closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, but will now start opening their doors again.

Showcase Cinema has announced the re-opening of its Leeds Cinema de Lux site, at Birstall retail park, from July 4.

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Cineworld and Picturehouse cinemas have previously announced plans to reopen on July 10.

Cinemas in Leeds will be allowed to reopen from July 4Cinemas in Leeds will be allowed to reopen from July 4
Cinemas in Leeds will be allowed to reopen from July 4

Cineworld, which has a site at the White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds, has said it has updated its booking system to ensure social distancing, and adapted its daily movie schedules to manage queues and avoid the build-up of crowds in lobbies.

It has also said it has enhanced cleanliness and sanitation procedures across all sites.

A statement from the chain said: "The health and wellbeing of our customers and employees is our top priority.

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"We are following government guidelines in order to make cinema-goers feel as comfortable and safe as possible.

"This includes implementing measures such as: arranging cinemas in a manner that promotes and maintains social distancing, staggering film start and end times, setting up additional hand sanitising stations, undertaking an advanced cleaning programme and providing staff with Covid-19 specific training.

"We will ensure a safe and enjoyable cinematic experience for all our visitors and we remain committed to being the best place to watch a movie."

The first new films due to be released are expected to be Proxima, starring Eva Green, scheduled for release on July 10, and road rage thriller Unhinged, starring Russell Crowe, which is due for launch on July 17.

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Christopher Nolan's latest offering, Tenet, starring Robert Pattinson and John David Washington, is also expected to be released at the end of July.

Showcase Cinema's Leeds site will reopen on July 4 with new health and safety measures in place.

This includes a limited capacity, staggered film start times, perspex shields at till points and a click and collect system for ordering food and drink.

Showcase Cinemas UK General Manager Mark Barlow said: “We are all really excited about welcoming film fans back to Showcase Cinemas.

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“We’ve been busy preparing for our re-opening by making all our sites as Showcase Safe as possible for the comfort of both staff and guests, which has always been our top priority. We encourage all our guests to use the hand sanitiser available, regularly wash their hands, wear a face covering and practice social distancing when inside the cinema.

“There are some fantastic films to be released in 2020 and we can’t wait to see people enjoying movies back on the big screen. We’ve also brought some classic hits and recent favourites back to remind everyone just how great it is to see them in the cinema.”

The opening of cinemas will be made subject to guidelines agreed between the UK Cinema Association and Government officials, which are due to be published later this week.

Phil Clapp, chief executive of the UK Cinema Association, which represents the interests of more than 90% of UK cinema operators, said: "Today's announcement is hugely welcome not just to cinema operators in England, but also we know to the many regular cinema-goers who can't wait to get back to enjoying the big screen experience.

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"We welcome in particular the acknowledgement implicit in today's statement of the work the sector has undertaken in reassuring ministers that cinemas in England can reopen safely for audiences and staff members alike.

"While discussions with the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland continue, today is undoubtedly a significant step forward for the UK cinema sector."

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