BASILDON’S long-awaited £25million cinema complex will officially open its doors to film lovers in October after months of delays, with a host of job adverts posted online. 

The new East Square cinema complex - boasting a 10-screen Empire Cinema and a host of restaurants - is vital to Basildon Council’s plans to revitalise the town centre. 

The project has faced a host of delays during the pandemic, with bosses most recently revealing the war in Ukraine had caused supply issues with much-needed projectors. 

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However, bosses have now confirmed it will open its doors and begin holding screenings in October, although an official date is still under wraps. 

Basildon Councillors had previously hoped it would open in time to show “summer blockbusters”, but are still over the moon at the progress. 

Craig Rimmer, councillor responsible for regeneration at Basildon Council, said it is exciting news, but thinks it is unlikely that all six restaurants are filled and open at the same time. 

He said: “It is of course very exciting to be given a date, and I think the timing is good as it gives time to employ staff and train them up, which is a great thing.

“It is absolutely brilliant to be able to give residents this employment opportunity, and I mean what is a better job than watching the film, while being trained and employed.

“We know we have a lot of excited residents, we also have got more and more food options coming as well, so with those and the cinema, it will be the location to go and have a nice time.

“I wouldn’t like to say whether the other units will be filled in time for the opening, but their will be a good offering by October.”

Alongside the restaurant, the complex will include six new restaurants.

Orlete Lounge opened in February, and is already proving popular, while Kaspa’s dessert parlous will be opening in Autumn. 

Four of the empty units are currently empty and unallocated, but talks are talking place to get more big names signed on the dotted line. 

A spokesman for Empire Cinema said: “We are pleased to announce our new Empire Cinema Basildon, East Square, opens in October 2022.

“We are now looking to recruit for the following roles: general manager, assistant general manager, FOH management, supervisors, and team members.”

For anyone interested in applying, you can email your CV and cover letter to recruitment@empirecinemas.co.uk