TICKETS have been put on sale for the first screenings at Bournemouth’s new 10-screen Odeon multiplex, which is due to open on Friday, February 10.

Films released on the cinema’s opening weekend include The Lego Batman Movie and Fifty Shades Darker.

The existing Odeon, which has been in Westover Road since 1929, will close the night before, with no special event – in contrast to the gala farewell given to the nearby ABC.

The new cinema, at the BH2 leisure development on Exeter Road, includes one with a giant iSense screen, with 4K digital projectors and Dolby Atmos sound.

Most of the screens have the option of reclining seats and there is a special Kids Screen.

Odeon Bournemouth’s new general manager, Richard Rowe, said: “We are excited to be opening our doors to the residents of Bournemouth in time for February half term when we will be screening the biggest blockbusters across our 10 screens, including family favourite The Lego Batman Movie and the highly anticipated sequel in the bestselling EL James trilogy Fifty Shades Darker.”

Andy Edge, commercial director UK and Ireland, said: “We are extremely excited to offer a new luxury 10-screen cinema in Bournemouth.

“We can’t wait to introduce a new iSense screen to the area, so our guests can see the film even bigger and brighter than before. Plus with reclining seats in eight of the 10 screens, a first for an Odeon multiplex of this size, our guests can lean back in luxury whilst watching the latest film releases.’’

The new Odeon will employ around 100 people, double the number working at the existing Odeon and ABC sites on Westover Road.

Bournemouth’s Odeon on Westover Road has the last remaining Cinerama auditorium in the country, upstairs in its curved Odeon 1 screen.

It opened in 1929 as the Regent and was later renamed the Gaumont.

Originally consisting of one giant auditorium, it was split into two screens in 1969, with four more created in the 1980s and 1990s.