Unfinished Developments Dublin

[thebig C]

Originally Posted by JD47

I haven't been to the Square in ages. Its actually been years. I dont think I have ever been to the pictures up there. Is it nice. Is it similar to Liffey Valley at all.

It REALLY needed to be updated. Basically UCI left it unchanged since it opened in 1990!! The only improvements they did was to replace the last few rows of seats, call them "premium" (because they had no chewing gum on them:P) and charge more for them

At the time it opened it was one of the first Multiplexes, not just in Ireland but in the UK also. Consequently, the planners were unsure if it would be successful. As a result it was designed so that it could be converted to retail space as easily as possible!! Thats why each screen had almost no slope between the back row and the front!

In the new Cinema, I think they have "Built up" the Cinemas to ensure there is enough incline to allow everybody to have a good view.....judging by the volume of materials I witnessed they carrying in! Also, they have gone with the more modern idea of tickets being sold at the concession stands rather then at a separate ticket office.

[JD47]

Originally Posted by thebig C

It REALLY needed to be updated. Basically UCI left it unchanged since it opened in 1990!! The only improvements they did was to replace the last few rows of seats, call them "premium" (because they had no chewing gum on them:P) and charge more for them

At the time it opened it was one of the first Multiplexes, not just in Ireland but in the UK also. Consequently, the planners were unsure if it would be successful. As a result it was designed so that it could be converted to retail space as easily as possible!! Thats why each screen had almost no slope between the back row and the front!

In the new Cinema, I think they have "Built up" the Cinemas to ensure there is enough incline to allow everybody to have a good view.....judging by the volume of materials I witnessed they carrying in! Also, they have gone with the more modern idea of tickets being sold at the concession stands rather then at a separate ticket office.

Why did they close it in the first place. Ws it because they were redeveloping it or was it closed for other reasons and they just decided to develope it recently.

[thebig C]

Originally Posted by JD47

Why did they close it in the first place. Ws it because they were redeveloping it or was it closed for other reasons and they just decided to develope it recently.

I heard that UCI and the centre owner had been in dispute regarding the rent. When a break in the lease came up UCI decided to exit. UCI also own the Leisureplex (bowling alley) in Tallaght Village and there were rumours that they were planning to open a combined entertainment complex.

[Dvblvnia]

The proposed hotel beside the Grand Canal Theatre is due to be fitted out and opened for business early next year according to some reports recently. Should be a timely boost to the area by increasing the number of tourists and hotel workers around the Square. Mixed use developments like this also encourage 24 hour activity in city districts. Hotels, theatres, offices, cafés and apartments all together create a vibrant atmosphere which increases the attractiveness of the place.