A cinema group has confirmed that it will sign a lease at a North East venue after the collapse of the previous operator.

Sunderland City Council - which owns the former Empire Cinema building in Sunniside - released a statement earlier this year, saying that it was in advanced discussions with an operator after seeking new cinema provisions following the collapse of the Empire chain. 

It has now been confirmed that Ireland's largest cinema operator, Omniplex, will sign a lease on the venue and open in a revamped space.

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "We are delighted to have so quickly secured a new cinema operator to ensure residents and visitors to the city can enjoy a great day out in Sunderland. 

"We have worked hard to attract a new cinema operator as quickly as possible because we know that this is an important amenity that people value.

The Northern Echo: It has now been confirmed that Ireland's largest cinema operator, Omniplex, will sign a lease on the venueIt has now been confirmed that Ireland's largest cinema operator, Omniplex, will sign a lease on the venue (Image: SUNDERLAND CITY COUNCIL)

"When it opens, I would urge residents to vote with their feet and use the cinema as well as the other leisure facilities on their doorstep. We do need to back our businesses to ensure their success."

The operator is working on plans to open its doors this May with a rolling refurbishment programme being carried out behind the scenes over 12 months until fully completed in mid-2025. 

These works - once fully complete - will include fully electric recliner seats in all screens, including everything from a food truck and beer and cocktail van all in a festival-styled atmosphere.

Paul John Anderson, director of the Omniplex Cinema Group, said: "We are delighted to announce we will be opening a cinema in Sunderland and bringing our brand of cinematic experience to the North East of England.

"We understand the cinema's importance to the local community, so we're investing in its renovation. With the refurbishment taking place over the next eighteen months, customers can look forward to new luxury seating and sofa beds across all 12 screens as well as an enhanced food and beverage offering."

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The venue will act as a key anchor for Sunniside, which has been earmarked as a key priority of Sunderland City Council, as it looks to augment the work undertaken to develop neighbouring Riverside Sunderland and reinvigorate the city centre.

New ambitious and exciting proposals are described within a Sunniside Place Strategy that has been developed through extensive engagement with the local community, businesses, and key stakeholders. 

Councillor Miller added: "Sunniside is an exciting part of the city centre, with some stunning natural assets, architectural beauty, and phenomenal potential. Agreeing a strategy for the area is the first step in harnessing its strengths, unlocking its enormous potential.

"We have seen the rate of change that has been achieved at Riverside Sunderland, and our ambition is to deliver similar transformation in Sunniside, in a way that is sustainable and that builds on the unique character of the place and supports the communities that call it home."