RESIDENTS have been urged to “exercise some patience” as frustrations to continue to grow over the long-awaited opening of a new town centre cinema.

The Empire Cinema was initially set to open back in February 2022, but the landmark project has been struck by a number of delays.

According to the plans it will boast 10 screens and create around 60 new jobs.

The cinema is part of a wider £25 million complex which features six restaurant units, three of which have been filled by Orleto Lounge, Nando’s, and Kaspa’s desserts.

Back in March 2023, bosses at Empire issued a statement on the progress and pledged to open in the summer of 2023.

A spokesman at the time said: “Unfortunately, there have been a number of delays, as previously reported.

“Work has been progressing well up to this point, with auditoria nearing completion.

“Empire Cinemas apologises for these delays to our launch, which have been caused by factors out of our control but look forward to welcoming guests in summer 2023.”

Craig Rimmer, councillor responsible for regeneration, reassured residents, telling them “we will get there”.

He added: “Empire Cinema said ‘this summer’. They have promised the summer, and we aren’t at the summer yet.

“I have seen a lot of progress, so we just need to exercise a bit of patience, and we will get there.”

Basildon Council leader Andrew Baggott was more blunt regarding his frustration but hoped that they would this time be open in the coming months.

He added: “Frustration has no bounds with the Empire Cinema, to be honest.

“It does seem that they have had problems but there comes a point where you have to question the whole thing.

“That sounds negative, but we want to work with them, support them, and do anything required to get them to open as soon as possible.

“A lot of the restaurants are ready and thriving, and the more we talk about the cinema waiting to open, the more cynical people become.”

Empire Cinemas was contacted for further comment by the Echo.