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Cineworld Ashford extension to feature 4DX and IMAX screens at Eureka Leisure Park

A long-awaited cinema extension is set to feature rollercoaster-like technology where seats shake and water is sprayed on film-goers.

KentOnline revealed last week how work has started on an upgrade to Ashford's Cineworld, with two new screens - including an IMAX - being added to the site.

The IMAX and 4DX screens will go behind Pizza Hut
The IMAX and 4DX screens will go behind Pizza Hut

But as well as the IMAX technology, it has now emerged the extension will also feature a lesser-known 4DX screen, which is described as a multisensory experience boasting special effects.

Movie fans will sit in high-tech motion seats which will move in synchronisation with the film, adding wind, rain, scent and other effects in line with the action on screen.

Cineworld was unable to provide a comment when approached by KentOnline last week, but a sign at the entrance to the construction site confirms the arrival of IMAX and 4DX - as well as refurbishing the 12 existing screens at the Eureka Leisure Park site.

Work started on the site earlier this month - four years after Cineworld chiefs gained planning permission from Ashford Borough Council for the development.

They initially had permission for three new screens, but lowered that to two in 2018.

How the development will look at Cineworld, featuring two restaurants either side of Pizza Hut
How the development will look at Cineworld, featuring two restaurants either side of Pizza Hut
How the cinema could look from above, featuring the new entrance and extension to the left
How the cinema could look from above, featuring the new entrance and extension to the left

The development also includes two new restaurants either side of Pizza Hut - one in the cinema extension and another separate unit.

But the scheme is to be built in two phases - with the new screens added first before the restaurants are constructed.

The development also features a reworked entrance to the existing Cineworld, which opened in 1999, as well as tweaks to the car park.

A sign at the construction site says the first phase will take a year to complete, with an estimated end date of March 16 2021.

Available in both 2D and 3D, the 4DX technology was developed in South Korea and reached Britain in 2015 when it arrived in Milton Keynes.

Cineworld closed earlier this month amid the coronavirus outbreak
Cineworld closed earlier this month amid the coronavirus outbreak
Contractors were seen working on the site yesterday
Contractors were seen working on the site yesterday
A sign at the construction site gives details of the development
A sign at the construction site gives details of the development

In 2018, Cineworld opened a 136-seat 4DX auditorium in Leicester Square.

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