The Avenue cinema, café and bar to open in former home of Debenham's in Belfast's CastleCourt

The Avenue, at CastleCourt Shopping Centre in Belfast, pays homage to the historic picture house of the same name, that once stood in the same location.

The 28,000 sq. ft space – where Debenham’s department store used to occupy - boasts nine lavish 60-seat auditoriums each kitted out with state-of-the-art technology, high-tech laser projection and plush sofa and armchair seating.

The opening follows an investment of £5.2 million and the creation of 50 jobs.

Representing a new venture for the Omniplex Cinema Group, The Avenue Cinema offers a unique cinema, café and bar presenting ‘a laid-back and charismatic city destination, redefining the movie-going experience’.

The Avenue’s interiors, led by Gordon Devenney, principle of O’Donnell O’Neill Design’s Belfast Studios, offers elegant finishes and features in a contemporary art deco style. The impressive surroundings are complemented by the venue's bold new in-cinema dining concept. A talented team of renowned architects, designers, contractors, chefs and mixologists have banded together to create this new dynamic and innovative offering for the city.

Belfast's cinematic journey began in 1896, but it was not until the beginning of the ‘talkies’ that picture houses truly rose to popularity, with The Avenue at the centre of the boom. The Avenue was the first Northern Ireland picture house to screen the talkies in 1929 and was at the heart of a varied and diverse cinema culture across the city.

The Avenue is set to blaze a trail, taking audiences back to the roots of local picture houses with a reimagined experience that will capture the magic of cinema once more.

Showcasing some of the latest blockbusters, live and event content, as well as alternative content such as seasonal classics. The Avenue Cinema, Café & Bar will boast nine luxuriously designed, 60-seat auditoriums, with plush velvet double-sofas and armchairs, each with their own side table and footstool with extra legroom for the ultimate in cinema comfort.

Each auditorium comes fully fitted with the latest in digital projection and Dolby surround-sound technology, delivering the best big-screen picture and sound quality to movie-goers.