July 24, 2006

Galaxy Theatre design offers unique entertainment

FAZEENA SAMAD

staff writer

TORONTO

Opening soon in Brockville, Ont. with an estimated ticket price of $5 million is the Cineplex Galaxy Cinema, designed to look like its namesake, with an exterior that resembles the cosmos.

Painted on the exterior walls is a rendering of a blue planet on a pitch-black background surrounded by white stars, that when illuminated at night by the theatre’s signage, will give passersby and theatre-goers the illusion of an out-of-this-world galactic experience.

Liisa Sheldrick, communications manager, Cineplex Entertainment, says the Galaxy design (one of the three brands that Cineplex builds) was chosen for the Brockville site because of its specific characteristics that lend to its status as a local landmark.

“The bold blue and black colours were chosen because they intensify the galaxy design,” she noted. “And the neon-lit tower at the entrance not only attracts attention, but at night, adds to the effect of being in a galaxy.”

Located at 1000 Islands Mall on Parkedale Avenue, with close proximity to Highway 401, it boasts six auditoriums with a total seating capacity of 1,093.

Each row of seats was optimally raised 18 inches higher than the previous row to allow for easy visual access to the ( 40-60 feet wide, 30 feet high) wall-to-wall curved screen.

In addition, the cinema will also offer movie fans over 136 parking spots and a gaming entertainment centre complete with interactive video games for in-between movie fun.

The developer for the six-month project was RioCan, with construction by Norlon Builders, and Core Architects oversaw the design and architecture of the theatre.

Construction of the 21, 493 square foot state-of-the art complex utilized 63 million pounds of concrete, over 390,000 pounds of steel, and more than 4, 000 gallons of paint.

Sheldrick says the response from the community has been positive, not only because of the theatre’s entertainment value, but also the jobs it creates through its daily operation.

“It is the only theatre in the Brockville area, so the enthusiasm is great. It has been in the planning stages for quite some time, the community has been very vocal about wanting the theater,” she explained, adding that plans are to hire local construction workers in the lifecycle maintenance of the cinema complex.

Since construction began, over 100 construction workers (from every sector) have found employment at the site, and 40 permanent and part-time service jobs will be available when the theatre opens on July 28 2006.

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