Ashford Picturehouse to open on December 15

ASHFORD PICTUREHOUSE is delighted to introduce the unique Picturehouse Cinema experience to the borough of Ashford. Continuing their legacy of bringing quality blockbusters, art-house film and regular and diverse programming strands, Picturehouse is looking forward to settling into their new home in Elwick Place.

Ashford Picturehouse features a spacious foyer and outdoor and indoor seating. A large auditorium will be available for affordable private hires and community functions in a relaxed and stylish space. Picturehouse takes pride in serving delicious hot food, an extensive drink menu, indulgent treats and healthy snacks, making the cinema a perfect spot for food, film and socialising.

The cinema has six screens, half of which are capable of screening 3D titles. Ashford Picturehouse will also be the first Picturehouse Cinema to have a laser projector. This uses the latest digital cinema technology and is more energy efficient than traditional projectors.

The cinema will be fully wheelchair accessible with a lift and disabled parking bays. Every screen will have an infrared system to play audio-described tracks (when available). This offers voice commentary, through headphones provided, which describes the film to those who would benefit.

The phased opening of Elwick Place begins in December: the new cinema and Travelodge hotel will be the first businesses to officially begin trading on the former site of Ashford’s historic Cattle Market, which has been developed by Stanhope PLC on behalf of Ashford Borough Council. With a number of independent operators also set to open their doors in 2019, Elwick Place will cater to increased demand for leisure and tourism facilities, attracting new visitors to Ashford from the wider catchment area. Stanhope PLC has also restored the original gates to the old Cattle Market which will form a part of the pedestrian entrance to the newly developed site.

Cllr Gerry Clarkson, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: “This is the first time that Picturehouse has invested in Kent and I’m delighted that the borough continues to be a real draw for the very best commercial enterprises and remains an obvious choice for expanding, thriving and established businesses.”

He described the Elwick Place cinema, hotel and leisure complex as “a game changer” for the town centre’s night-time economy. The council has funded the construction of the 100,000-square-foot flagship scheme, which is the first of its so-called Big 8 projects.

“This exciting scheme is one element of a wider £520m of investment in developments in Ashford town centre currently under construction or with construction to start soon. Elwick Place is leading the way in reshaping the skyline of Ashford and I warmly welcome Picturehouse to the borough.”

The cinema will sit in the heart of town between the high street and the international train station and is a 10-minute walk to the shopping outlet. Regular bus services connect customers to and from the complex, and around 280 car parking spaces and plenty of cycle racks make the cinema convenient via car, bike or on foot.

Ashford Picturehouse is a brand new build and is an anticipated addition to Picturehouse’s growing family of beautifully designed and architecturally unique cinemas. It has recruited 35 new members of staff who can enjoy working for one of the highest-paying companies in the cinema industry.

By purchasing an Ashford Picturehouse Founder Membership, residents can own their place in history by having their name displayed forever on the specially designed Founder Members’ Wall. Founder Members will also be invited to the VIP opening party with free food, drink and films. The annual Membership also gives customers 10% off food and drink, free film previews, free cinema tickets and discounts with local partners such as Lydd Golf Club, Pro-Health Therapy Rooms and a 10% off Privilege Card to use at the Ashford Designer Outlet. Membership can be obtained by visiting: picturehouses.com/Ashford

The cinema will embrace mainstream blockbusters and family favourites such as Mary Poppins Returns and Wreck-It Ralph 2, and indie and art-house hits such as The Favourite and Colette . Oscar-worthy films such as Beautiful Boy and Old Man & The Gun will also light up its screens as it opens during awards season.

Carefully curated regular strands include Discover Tuesdays, Vintage Sundays and Screen Arts, which will bring the best of live theatre from around the world to Ashford. The cinema will also host a range of community-focused, price-adjusted events including Big Scream, Toddler Time, free Student Screenings with E4 Slackers Club, Autism-Friendly, Dementia-Friendly and Silver Screen.