Plaza confirms a new cinema

By Shaun Inguanzo
DANDENONG Plaza has confirmed that a new cinema complex will open this October to fill the gap left by the departure of Village Cinemas last year.
As Star reported early this month, Reading Cinemas will move into the Dandenong Plaza with plans for six cinemas to be open by October.
Village Cinemas in Dandenong and Waverley Gardens were both closed by Village over the past six months.
Star received an unprecedented response from residents who were extremely disappointed by the closure of two cinemas, forcing them to see movies in either Knox, Fountain Gate or Chadstone.
Earlier this month, Star reported that Reading Cinemas was looking at opening a cinema in the Dandenong Plaza at the same site as the former Village Cinemas.
At the time, the Dandenong Plaza could not confirm details of the Reading deal, but this week the move was being trumpeted by local and state governments.
Greater Dandenong mayor John Kelly praised Dandenong Plaza management for the deal.
“This is certainly going to build on the already strong reputation of Dandenong Plaza in supporting the people of the area it serves,” Cr Kelly said.
“I would like to welcome Reading to the City of Greater Dandenong and congratulate the company on investing in a city that has exciting long term growth.
“This multi-million dollar project will provide an entertainment hub for the City of Greater Dandenong.”
Cr Kelly said the loss of two cinemas had been a blow to residents.
“But the effort of Dandenong Plaza’s staff in finding a solution when the previous cinema operator left has been nothing short of outstanding.
“With the closure of Village’s Waverley Gardens complex, Reading’s decision to establish here should provide great drawing power for cinema goers to enjoy our city.
“Our council’s congratulations must be extended to both Dandenong Plaza, its owner The GPT Group and Reading Cinema for this exciting project. We all look forward to the targeted October opening.”
Dandenong Plaza centre manager Scott Meehan said he was excited about the arrival of Reading Cinemas.
“We are very happy to be able to offer an entertainment complex to our customers and the local community and to be the first location of a Reading Cinema in South East Melbourne,” Mr Meehan said.
Dandenong MP John Pandazopoulos said Reading’s faith in the region when Village had pulled out was a credit to the new cinema company’s offering.
“I have had very strong representations from members of the public about the Village closures,” he said.
“Reading has shown that cinemas are still viable in Dandenon, and I think Reading will take cinema to different stage in Dandenong.
“It will be a trendier type cinema.”