A cinema chain has unveiled the progress it has made at a venue it has taken over, saying it will be 'opening soon' to customers.

Savoy Cinemas, which bought the former Empire Cinema in Catterick Garrison earlier this year, has pledged to renovate the screens, foyer, and outside of the building ready for its grand opening. 

While an opening date hasn't yet been set for the cinema, based on Princes Gate Shopping Park on Richmond Road, progress seems to be taking place after Savoy Cinemas shared several images online of seats and screens being replaced.

A first look inside the renovations at Savoy CinemasA first look inside the renovations at Savoy Cinemas (Image: SAVOY CINEMAS)

Empire Cinemas announced last year that its venues across the UK, including the one in Catterick Garrison, would close with immediate effect, and was left empty until Savoy Cinemas snapped it up in early 2024.

Based in the Midlands, Savoy has cinemas in Doncaster and Nottingham - with Catterick being the seventh in the UK.

Chairs and sofas at the Savoy Cinemas venue at Catterick GarrisonChairs and sofas at the Savoy Cinemas venue at Catterick Garrison (Image: SAVOY CINEMAS)

At the time, James Collington, the Managing Director of Savoy Cinemas, said: "We are delighted to announce our acquisition of the old Empire Cinema in Catterick Garrison.

"Our goal is to prepare for the opening as quickly as possible to provide the local community with the Savoy experience.

"With a few adjustments and the installation of new laser projectors, we are confident we’ll be able to open our doors very soon.

"As the cinema operates in the upcoming months, we plan to renovate each screen to elevate the cinema experience to meet our high standards."

The former Empire Cinema in Catterick GarrisonThe former Empire Cinema in Catterick Garrison (Image: SAVOY CINEMAS)

In its latest social media update, Savoy Cinemas detailed the improvements it was making to the building, including its screens. 

In the post, it said: "Here’s a first look at what the former Empire Cinema currently looks like inside.


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"To start, as original projectors were removed when the site closed we will be installing all new LASER projectors.

"Prepare for an entirely fresh experience. Our new cutting-edge cinema projectors offer a fully immersive experience with stunning brightness, vibrant colours, and crystal-clear images for the best viewing experience."

Savoy also responded to several people in the comments sections, including saying that "we'll announce an opening date soon," and "there is quite a bit to be done in the cinema before we can start recruitment/ announce an opening date. We'll keep you all updated on our page".