Besides opening an IMAX theatre in Brussels this week, Kinepolis Group also opened two brand-new cinema complexes: one in Utrecht, the Netherlands, and one in Toulouse, France. This means that in 2016, Kinepolis has realised no fewer than five new-build projects in three countries: Kinepolis Dordrecht, Breda and Utrecht (Netherlands), a new cinema in Granada (Spain) and Kinepolis Fenouillet, near Toulouse. In total, Kinepolis Group now has 50 cinemas across seven countries.
On Wednesday, 14 December, simultaneously with the release of 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story', Kinepolis Jaarbeurs (Utrecht) welcomed its first visitors. It concerns a partial opening, namely of the first six halls that are ready. The remaining of in total 14 halls will open in phases over the coming period, until the cinema is completed and ready to operate at full capacity in February 2017. With 14 screens and around 3,300 seats, Kinepolis Jaarbeurs will be the biggest cinema of Utrecht, and one of the largest in the Netherlands.
Today, on Friday 16 December, Kinepolis Fenouillet is also opening its doors. This cinema with 8 screens and 1,100 seats is part of 'La Galerie Espaces Fenouillet', the new commercial and recreational centre in the north of the city of Toulouse.
Both in Kinepolis Jaarbeurs and Kinepolis Fenouillet, all theatres are equipped with laser projection, ensuring razor-sharp image quality in every room. For those who are looking for an even more intense movie experience, both complexes also feature a 'Laser ULTRA' theatre. 'Laser ULTRA' combines the best laser projection with a spectacular, multidimensional Dolby Atmos sound.
Since 2014, Kinepolis has taken important steps in realizing its expansion strategy. In less than three years, the Group has expanded with 27 cinemas, both through acquisition and new build. Various other projects are in development, including a new cinema complex in Brétigny-sur-Orge, nearby Paris, which will open in the first half of 2018.
At the end of 2016, Kinepolis counts eleven cinemas in France, sixteen in the Netherlands, twelve in Belgium[1], six in Spain, three in Luxembourg, one in Poland[2] and one in Switzerland.
[1] Including one cinema operated by UGC (Toison d'Or).
[2] Cinema operated by Cineworld.