It’s a case of ‘lights, camera, action!’ at Rotherham’s first movie theatre in more than 30 years, as The Arc Cinema at the town’s flagship Forge Island leisure destination opens to the public.
Council Leader, Cllr Chris Read, marked the official public launch on Friday 6th September with a special ribbon cutting ceremony. He was joined on the red carpet by the new cinema General Manager, Laura Vickers, and invited families from the Council’s foster care service who were treated to a special VIP tour of the cinema and presented with free tickets to enjoy a future film screening of their choice.
Leader of Rotherham Council, Cllr Chris Read, said: “This has been many years in the making, and I am proud to be standing here today in this fantastic cinema space, seeing families coming to watch the latest blockbuster, right here in the heart of Rotherham. We are passionate about seeing the town develop and grow in the years ahead, and this is just the start. The Arc cinema is the anchor project in our Investing in Rotherham’s Future town centre regeneration programme, with our Forge Island scheme demonstrating our continued commitment to delivering for the people of Rotherham and surrounding area.
“Forge Island brings a much-needed leisure offer for the whole borough, and together with the new Travelodge hotel and restaurants, it will bring more visitors into the town centre, boost our local economy and help restore a sense of pride in our town centre.”
The new independent cinema features two flagship Hypersense screens, including Dolby Atmos sound, a giant screen and a 4K Laser projector – which creates a fully immersive experience. Additionally, The Arc offers six medium-sized screens that provide an intimate atmosphere for smaller showings – perfect for the cinema’s popular events like ‘Silver Screen’ and ‘Kids Club’ which will be launching in Rotherham.
The Arc Cinema, which has 12 locations spanning across the UK and Ireland with three more in the works, has built a reputation for offering a big screen experience that combines both luxury and affordability. The cinema is a major part of the family-friendly offer at Forge Island which has been delivered by the Council in partnership with Muse, transforming a once derelict former industrial site into a landmark leisure destination for the town. The design of the new Rotherham cinema is inspired by the strong industrial heritage of the site which was historically home to a foundry and an iron works.
Regular prices are around £6 for standard screenings and £8 for Hypersense screenings. Offers include £5 tickets for students and for Second Chance Cinema on Mondays, plus £5 prices for the over 60s on Thursday afternoons. The Kids Club offers a great value £3.50 ticket for family-friendly showings every Saturday & Sunday morning and every morning during school holidays.
Laura Vickers, General Manager at The Arc, Rotherham added: “We are absolutely thrilled to be opening The Arc Cinema in Rotherham, especially on the iconic Forge Island. This has been a long-awaited development, and to be part of bringing a cinema back to Rotherham after more than 30 years is truly special. Forge Island is set to become the heart of entertainment in this town, and we’re excited to play a key role in that transformation.
Personally, I’m incredibly eager to get to know the people of Rotherham and become deeply involved in this vibrant community. Our aim is not just to provide a place to watch movies, but to create a welcoming space where people can come together, be entertained, and make lasting memories. We can’t wait to become a part of the fabric of Rotherham life and contribute to its bright future.”
Local people can also enjoy more celebrations to mark the new cinema opening with a day of free entertainment and activities at Forge Island on Saturday 14th September. The new public and commercial spaces will be animated with live music, local artists and street performers, with an opportunity for people of all ages to explore the new landscaped waterside and striking new pedestrian bridge which provides a vital link between the flagship development and the town centre.
Families with children should head to The Arc Cinema foyer where free activities include face-painting and the chance to meet and greet some rather famous faces– from Minions to Paddington – to celebrate upcoming film releases this autumn, as well as special offers, balloons and giveaways throughout the day. The town’s first branded hotel, Travelodge Rotherham Central, which opened at Forge Island in July, will also be offering its great value lunch and dinner menus in its new cafe and licensed bar.
Forge Island is located next to Rotherham train and tram station and there is free parking available on site for cinema-goers and Travelodge users. It is also free to park in all other Council-owned off-street town centre car parks every weekend.
Visit the website https://www.forgeisland.co.uk/ for the latest information.
