Not long ago, we brought you the sad news that the Vue Cinema in Rhyl was closing, but not too long after, we were thrilled to announce that Merlin Cinemas was taking over the venue and it would reopen for movie fans. Today, we bring you the new name for the Rhyl Cinema.
Merlin Cinemas is revitalising the currently closed cinema in Rhyl, and they have confirmed that it will reopen under the new name Strand Cinema, pending the completion of lease arrangements with Denbighshire County Council.
Although work is underway behind the scenes, the exact reopening date remains uncertain. Plans are progressing, but the team is not ready to promise a specific opening date just yet.
“It’s an exciting project, and we’d love to be open in time for the autumn slate of films,” added Geoff Greaves, Managing Director at Merlin Cinemas, “but it’s important to us that we get this right and not rush things. We should have a good idea of an expected opening date soon.”
Strand Cinema in Rhyl will operate alongside its sister cinema, Scala Cinema in Prestatyn, which is already part of the Merlin Cinemas group of independent cinemas.
Leader of Denbighshire County Council, Councillor Jason McLellan, said, “It’s so exciting to see another business on the verge of opening on the prom in Rhyl. Following the huge success of the opening of Queen’s Market, this will be another attraction for residents and visitors alike and will be part of the catalyst for regeneration in our seaside town. We’re so pleased that Merlin Cinemas have stepped in and this further demonstrates confidence from the private sector in Rhyl’s future. When Strand Cinema opens, I urge residents to support it as well as other leisure facilities in the town – we need everyone to be backing our businesses to ensure their continued success.”
Merlin Cinemas started 35 years ago with a single screen in Penzance, Cornwall. Today, it operates over 20 cinemas across the UK. The company is renowned for saving and restoring both historic and modern venues, and it is dedicated to making cinema affordable, accessible, and magical for local communities.
Keep an eye on their website and social media for updates about opening and recruitment merlincinemas.co.uk
Here at Blazing Minds, we can’t wait to check out the new venue and to see some movies there.
Jobs Are Being Advertised for Merlin Cinemas at Strand Cinema, Rhyl
The Indeed website has a listing for job vacancies at the new Strand Cinema in Rhyl for Assistant Cinema Manager and General Manager.
The Assistant Cinema Manager’s information says:
Merlin Cinemas already operate the 2-screen Scala Cinema in Prestatyn and has acquired the currently closed first-generation multiplex, the former Apollo/Vue cinema on the promenade in Rhyl, Denbighshire, North Wales and is looking for an Assistant Manager to work at both locations
This person will be a strong leader and be someone who isn’t fazed by the challenges and the operational hours that this role could demand. Some travelling may be required between venues.
You will need to be well organised and a strong communicator with proven leadership skills, along with a willingness to work evenings, weekends, school holidays, or other peak trading times.
Merlin offers a competitive salary as well as performance-based commission/incentive schemes which will be evaluated and implemented after the cinema has been open and trading for a short while but are already in place at Prestatyn. The role is full time with 35 hours during off-peak weeks and up to 45 hours at other times.
General Managers’ Information:
We are looking for a very strong leader, and someone who isn’t fazed by the challenges and the operational hours that this role could demand. Therefore, we’re seeking a dynamic, experienced cinema General Manager to recruit and build a new team, and to embrace the changes whilst cascading these down to their team to champion their implementation.
You will need to be a proactive, resourceful individual with an organised mindset, a strong communicator with proven leadership skills, along with a willingness to work evenings, weekends, school holidays, or other peak trading times. You will have a support management team as well.
We offer a competitive salary as well as performance-based commission/incentive schemes, which will be evaluated and implemented after the cinema has been open and trading for a short while.
Find out more about the job vacancies and how to apply via the Indeed website.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
