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Magic Lantern acquires Capitol Theatre

Feb 16, 2017 | 4:00 PM

Magic Lantern Theatres has bought out the local Capitol Theatre in North Battleford and plans to renovate it for use while the new five-screen cinema is built.

BattlefordsNOW learned about the acquisition in a press release received yesterday, Feb. 16. The release stated the Capitol Theatre will be shut down immediately for renovations. The plan is to take down the dividing wall to create a one-screen theatre.

Magic Lantern will also be installing new reclining seats and making ticket sales available online. People will also be able to reserve specific seats online.

The release added there will be a new sound system, roof, accessible washroom and exterior renovations, including the iconic sign, are also planned.

Magic Lantern was unsure of how long the process will take but said efforts will be made to keep “down time” as short as possible.

The renovated Capitol Theatre will be used for the next year until they can open the new five-screen cinema which will work in conjunction with Capitol.

The location for the new cinema hasn’t been confirmed as the land in the original lot purchased was found to be contaminated. No word yet on if any of the new lots being tested have been cleared to build on.

Magic Lantern tried to purchase Capitol last summer but the offer was declined.

Magic Lantern promised the newly renovated Capitol Theatre will be the nicest between Edmonton and Saskatoon.

A sample of the reclining chairs being installed will be in the store window of the “Ironclad Building” at 11302 101 St.

 

Greg.higgins@jpbg.ca

@realgreghiggins