SIX new ‘studio screens’ open at Poole’s Empire cinema tomorrow to make it one of the largest in the South.

The £3million refurbishment at Tower Park, bringing 500 extra seats and top-of-the-range projection and sound systems, means Empire Cinemas can show a greater range of films.

Coming just in time for the summer blockbuster season, the upstairs expansion will also be available for private hire and conferences.

The cinema’s general manager Susi Teall, said: “I am extremely proud of what we have brought to Poole and what is an amazing transformation of the complex.

“Whilst we cannot guarantee the sun will be shining all summer, we will be able to guarantee our largest ever line-up of films over this season and beyond.”

The 45-80 seater studio screens will be unveiled at a champagne screening of J. J. Abrams’ Super 8 tonight.

Then tomorrow, people turning up to watch Arrietty, Bad Teacher, Beginners and the Tree of Life will get to see inside for the first time.

Empire Cinemas’ CEO Justin Ribbons says customers’ patience during the building works will be rewarded.

“Poole continues to be at the forefront of our plans in terms of providing the best possible cinema experience and I hope they agree this is what we have delivered,” he said.

“The new studios will give us the opportunity to screen titles that in the past may not have had a release locally as well as the opportunity to screen ‘alternative content’ such as opera, ballet, sporting events and music events live via satellite.”

More than 17 million people have used the cinema, which opened in 1989 and it has shown more than 8,000 movies.