Stretford residents will be welcoming a new cinema this Friday, which one resident said will be a ‘gamechanger’ for businesses on the high street.
The Northern Light Cinema, owned by the Mundin family, is set to open on Friday 20 March, on Pinnington Lane in Stretford town centre.
The new three-screen cinema will create an accessible and relaxing environment for film lovers to watch new releases, family favourites and cult classics.
Neil Young, owner of Fountain Records said: “It’s going to be a gamechanger. There’s going to be an increase in footfall, possibly at all times of the day.
“We’re planning in changing our opening hours next week and open until later.”
Neil continued by saying that Trafford Council promised him and other businesses that the town centre would be filled with new businesses by Christmas.
“It’s clearly not, but I think the cinema will change that. It’ll encourage other units to be filled,” he said.
“There’s going to be a lot [more] people interested in investing in Stretford as a business destination.”
The new addition to the family-run business is after the success of the cinema’s flagship site in Sale.
The 150-seat cinema is wheelchair accessible and will offer Dolby Accessibility Solution (DAS) for hearing impaired people to read subtitles on separate screens.
Tony Mundin, founder of Northern Light Cinema added: “The opening of our cinema marks another important step forward in Stretford’s ongoing transformation.
“Our venue will bring energy to the town centre and offer a vibrant, welcoming hub for the whole community.”
The cinema is part of the second phase of Trafford Council and property provider, Bruntwood’s redevelopment plan for Stretford town centre.
The first phase of the plan saw the reopening of King Street in August and the closure of Stretford Mall in February, with plans to replace it with affordable housing.
Councillor Tom Ross, Leader of Trafford Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome this new cinema to Stretford.
“It strengthens Stretford’s cultural offer, supports the local economy, and enhances the town centre as a vibrant destination.
“We look forward to seeing people enjoying what this fantastic new venue has to offer.”