Major Navan cinema project to bring 60 jobs

The largest cinema screen outside of Dublin could be on its way to Navan if planning permission is granted for a new multiplex complex on the Athboy Road. Flix Cinema & Leisure is planning a €6m investment at the Navan Retail Park, which would result in the creation of at least 60 jobs with up to 100 jobs at peak times. The proposal is for a 10-screen, 1,900-seat capacity facility with state-of-the-art 3D technology for all screens. Darren Corcoran, managing direction of Flix Cinema and Leisure, said his company was looking forward to locating in Navan and would be lodging a planning application next Monday. He said the cinema, which could be open as early as next summer, would create 13 full-time and 60 part-time jobs across the year with seasonal peak staff rising to 20 full-time and 90 part-time staff at periods such as the summer and Christmas. He said the site at the retail park at Athboy Road, Navan, was ideal with its easy access to the M3 and it was envisaged it would become a cinema complex for a much larger area than Navan, with customers expected to travel from Dunshaughlin, Oldcastle, Delvin and many other centres to view movies. If planning approval is granted, the complex would be up and running within six months of receiving permission. One of the key features of the development would be a striking glass façade to the entrance with extensive lobby space inside. According to Cllr Shane Cassells, who has met with the promoters, the new cinema complex would see the most "modern cinema in Ireland constructed in Navan". Cllr Cassells welcomed the fact that the cinema would create over 60 jobs when opened and would result in a boost for the local construction sector with an estimated spend of €3m on that part of the development alone. "The opening of one of the largest cinema facilities in the country would be a massive boost to the local economy of Navan," remarked Cllr Cassells. "I have met with managing director of Flix, Darren Corcoran, and his team, and they really want to establish a base here in Navan. They are hugely impressed by the town and the Navan Retail Park on the Athboy Road offers them a perfect site with great road access off the M3 and nearly 1,000 car parking spaces. Cllr Cassells added: "It would be superb to be able to offer the people of this town and, indeed, the whole county, the most modern cinema facilities in Ireland. Going to the cinema remains one of the most popular pursuits for many young people and families and it represents the leisure activity of choice for 67 per cent of 15-34 year olds," he added. Cllr Cassells said there would be 3D facilities throughout the complex and the largest screen would have 378 seats, making it the movie exhibition facility outside of Dublin. "These are the kind of high-quality leisure facilities that we need in the heart of Meath and I know that families and movie fans across the county will be excited about this development," the local Fianna Fail councillor said. He pointed out that the park carries the appropriate B4 zoning in the Navan Development Plan and is within walking distance of the town. Navan Retail Park already has a number of flagship tenants, with Homebase, Halfords and Smyth's Toy Store all located there. The proposed cinema complex would be constructed across the undeveloped floorspace of units 10-12 and would become the gateway building to the retail park.