News
Huge abandoned multiplex cinema set to reopen in £3.5 million makeover
Great news for Wigan cinema lovers!
A huge multiplex cinema is set to reopen at Robin Park in Wigan following a £3.5 million makeover of the town’s only cinema.
Film lovers were left having to travel further afield when Empire announced its closure at Robin Park last July after the chain ran into some financial difficulties.
But avid movie fans can get back to their favourite pastime again as Omniplex Cinema Group, one of the UK and Ireland’s largest silver screen chains, has announced it will reopen the site.
The company revealed ambitious plans to rebrand the 11-screen leisure facility after acquiring the space.
With upcoming blockbusters worthy of seeing on the big screen, including Dune 2, The Joker: Folie à Deux and Deadpool 3, the news will no doubt come as music to the ears of fans.
Not only will film fans be able to enjoy going to see the latest releases again, they will be able to experience watching cinematic adventures in ultimate comfort as Omniplex is set to install fully electric recline seating throughout as well as luxurious sofa beds in select screens.
The new look cinema will undergo a £3.5 million transformation which will upgrade the venue with a promise to customers that they will step into a space which ‘evokes a boutique festival style and experience’.
On entering the newly refurbished venue, cinemagoers will stumble upon food and drinks vendors serving everything from hot pizza slices, to grilled sandwiches, soft drinks, beers and cocktails.
Omniplex has also announced the cinema will feature a new OmniplexMAXX screen, which screens films in the chain’s premium large format, immersing the viewer in an exhilarating experience of sight, sound and feel.
Each OmniplexMAXX screen incorporates luxury Recline seating, an extra-large screen for the ultimate viewing experience and a Dolby Atmos 3D sound system.
Speaking about the new cinema soon to be opening in Wigan, Paul John Anderson, Director of the Omniplex Cinema Group, said: “We are delighted to announce that we will be opening an Omniplex cinema in Wigan and can kick off our ambitious renovation plans, plans which we know will deliver a truly premium experience for our customers and allow them to watch films in the ultimate comfort.
“We know cinemas are an important pillar of the community in Wigan, and with our significant investment set to deliver new luxury seating, a premium large format screen and extensive food and beverage options, we know our brand of cinematic experience will be a sure-fire hit with film fans in the area.”
The acquisition of the former Empire Cinema was advised upon by commercial agents Avison Young and comes after Omniplex Cinema Group’s expansion last year.
The company made an investment of £22.5 million over the course of 18 months to acquire and refurbish existing Empire Cinema locations nationwide.
Since it first opened its doors to customers in Ireland in 1991, it has become renowned for its state-of-the-art projection and digital sound facilities, as well as diverse programming, which includes sporting events, musicals, concerts, and ballet in addition to the latest cinema releases.
Omniplex now has 353 screens across 43 cinema locations across the UK and Ireland. Wigan film fanatics will soon be able to choose between two cinemas, including the complex at Galleries25 in the town centre, once that has been completed in a couple of years’ time.
News
Oasis announce huge reunion tour as Liam and Noel Gallagher ‘make peace’
The news we’ve all been waiting for!
After years of will-they-won’t-they speculation, Oasis are officially BACK together for a reunion tour.
The Gallagher brothers have put aside their differences in the name of music, making thousands of fans extremely happy in the process.
The band teased the news on their socials over the weekend, posting a video on Sunday morning with today’s date (Tuesday, August 27th) and the time 8am.
And now shows have been announced for multiple dates in the UK and Ireland, with tickets going live this Saturday, August 31st.
The legendary Mancunian rockers will take to the stage next summer, with gigs in Cardiff, London, Edinburgh, Dublin and, of course, Manchester.
15 years after splitting, the band confirmed they would be back for 14 shows, saying: “The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over. Come see. It will not be televised”.
The gigs will be Oasis’s ‘only shows in Europe next year’, with tickets on sale this Saturday at 8am in Ireland and 9am in the UK.
The Oasis 2025 tour dates in full:
July
4th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium
5th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium
11th – Manchester, Heaton Park
12th – Manchester, Heaton Park
19th – Manchester, Heaton Park
20th – Manchester, Heaton Park
25th – London, Wembley Stadium
26th – London, Wembley Stadium
August
2nd – London, Wembley Stadium
3rd – London, Wembley Stadium
8th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
9th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
16th – Dublin, Croke Park
17th – Dublin, Croke Park
You can grab your tickets HERE.
News
Stagecoach hiring over 100 new bus drivers for Bee Network with £31k salaries
Fancy a career change?
Stagecoach Manchester is hiring over 100 new bus drivers to work from its Oldham depot, following the second phase of the Bee Network launch in March.
You can apply for a range of roles, from positions with no experience required to fully qualified bus drivers.
Successful applicants will receive full training as part of the job, and trainees will get paid to train. Then after only 12 months’ service at Stagecoach, drivers can expect to earn up to £16 per hour, which equates to £31.6K per year, before overtime.
As well as that, drivers that already hold a PCV licence may be eligible to receive a £1,200 joining bonus.
Stagecoach
There’s also a host of other benefits available to all Stagecoach employees, like 28 days paid holiday, generous pension and free Stagecoach bus travel for successful applicants and a companion.
Rob Jones, Managing Director at Stagecoach Manchester said: “Expanding our offering in Oldham means we’ll be investing more in the economy and supporting our local community, as well as strengthening our workforce.
“Whether you’re looking for a career change or you’re a fully qualified, experienced bus driver, there’s a role for everyone here in Oldham.
“We’re looking for personable and dedicated drivers who are ready to help us build on the success of the Bee Network and connect the people of Oldham and Greater Manchester with the places and people that are important to them.”
Stagecoach
Phil Cornwall, bus driver at Stagecoach Manchester, said: “I’ve been a driver at Stagecoach for 25 years and I couldn’t recommend it more.
“From the perks to the people to the passengers, it really is a great place to work.”
To apply, head to the Stagecoach website HERE.
Two men have now been charged with murder, following the discovery of a human torso in Kersal Dale.
As well as that, more suspected human remains were also discovered this morning, Monday April 29th, in an alleyway close to the railway lines off Worsley Road, Eccles.
This follows earlier discoveries of human remains over the past three weeks, at Kersal Dale, Blackleach Reservoir and Colliery Wood, all in Salford.
Greater Manchester Police
Michal Jaroslaw Polchowski (25/04/1956) and Marcin Majerkiewicz (10/04/1982) both of Worsley Road, Eccles, have been charged with murder.
They are set to appear at Tameside Magistrates Court this afternoon.
While formal identification is still ongoing, the remains found at Kersal Dale are believed to be of a local man in his 60s. The remains found at the other three locations are still to be tested, but police are confident they belong to the same victim.
ACC Sarah Jackson said: “We have had large numbers of officers, staff and specialists working diligently on this investigation over the last three weeks. It has been very much a large, collective effort, with the victim and family at the heart of it from the outset.
“We have specially trained officers deployed to support the family as they come to terms with this tragic news. They are aware of this morning’s further discovery and will continue to be kept up to date with how we are progressing.
“Despite the charges brought today, our work is far from over.
“The scenes we already have established in Bury and Salford will remain in place for much of this week whilst our searches and enquiries continue. Local officers will continue to patrol the impacted areas to provide reassurance.
“We will continue following every line of enquiry to recover and reunite the victim with his family, bringing a dignified end to this terrible scenario.
“I’d like to thank the communities of Salford and beyond for their cooperation throughout this investigation. I know this incident has come as a shock, and the support we’ve had from those in the area is very much appreciated.”
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