Upgrades and improvements will soon be added to a Swindon cinema.

Vue took over the former home of Empire Cinemas in Greenbridge last December after the previous owner collapsed into administration.

Apart from a few cosmetic changes such as different outdoor signage and indoor branding, the multiplex mainly remained the same as it did before Empire abruptly shut its doors in July 2023.

Before its first week of ticket sales, the cinema's operator indicated plans to carry out a significant revamp of the site at some point in 2024.

The Adver can now reveal that work on the promised upgrades will be starting in the coming weeks.

Seating in screening rooms will be improved along with the addition of certain features that the 90-plus other cinemas in the chain do not yet have.

(Image: Newsquest)

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A Vue spokesperson said: “It has been a pleasure to bring the big screen experience to Swindon since our opening in December.

"We can confirm that the next chapter will soon begin, with upgrades to commence in the coming weeks to bring the experience offered at the venue right up to date.

"These will include our luxurious recliner seating, as well as some exciting enhancements that will be coming to Swindon before anywhere else in the UK that we can’t wait to announce in due course.”

The Empire cinema chain suddenly collapsed into administration in July, closing several multiplexes around the country.

The first sign of Vue's interest in the Greenbridge Retail Park site appeared in October 2023, when a licensing application was submitted to Swindon Borough Council and a notice was stuck to the front entrance.

A planning application asking for permission to change the exterior signage followed a few days later.

Vue confirmed its takeover of the building in early November as work began to get the much-loved multiplex ready to reopen.

Rival cinema chain Cineworld currently operates two Swindon sites - one in Regent Circus and one in Shaw Ridge - though the town centre branch is among the six that are expected to close at some point in the near future if Cineworld's restructuring plan is approved by the courts.

The plan aims to solve Cineworld's difficult financial situation and return the business to profitability.

The Adver understands that the hearing which will determine whether or not this can proceed is due to be held at the end of September.

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