Jobs boost as Merlin Cinema expands in Thurso
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AN additional 12 jobs are expected to be created at the Merlin Cinema in Thurso as part of an expansion plan costing "hundreds of thousands of pounds."
That was confirmed this week by Alex Jones, the company's operations manager. He said the business is increasing the number of screens at Thurso from two to five and hopes to have the new look facility ready to coincide with the release of the new James Bond film in September.
Merlin hoped to have the work done by Easter last year but had to delay its plans due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Jones said the company, which is based in Cornwall and has 16 cinemas throughout the UK, wants to have what he described as "a really modern multiplex cinema in Thurso". He said the investment is substantial with around £300,000 to £400,000 being spent on audio equipment and projectors and a further £100,000 on an air conditioning system.
He explained that the new seating, screens and air conditioning system were installed early last year but the rest of the work still has to be undertaken due to the problems with Covid-19 but says it should be finished by early autumn.
"We aim to be ready in time for the release of the new James Bond film in September and will need to recruit about 12 full and part-time staff by that time," said Mr Jones.
He pointed out the additional screens at the site of the former ten-pin bowling alley will mean the company can provide "more options and more choice" to the public and can show films for a bit longer.
Meanwhile, Mr Jones said the Thurso cinema in Ormlie Road is gearing up for a restricted opening on May 17 as the rules on the coronavirus are relaxed.
The Merlin Cinema Group took over the Caithness facility almost six years ago and is delighted with the support it has received from the public during that time.
Last year, when the UK was in different tier systems, Thurso was one of only 11 cinemas operating throughout the country.
Mr Jones said even though new films were not being released people came out to see classics such as Back to the Future and The Empire Strikes Back.
"People wanted to go out and do what they could in a socially enjoyable way. We were delighted they still wanted to come to the cinema even to watch old films. We have been so impressed with how the cinema in Thurso has operated and are looking forward to getting up and running again," he added.
