Braintree has its own cinema again after a nine-year gap.
The 12-screen multiplex was officially launched yesterday at a VIP gala event -and was the toast of the district's dignitaries.
Cineworld Braintree at Freeport will be open to the public for the first time on Friday.
Braintree Council chairwoman Kathie Tearle with Cine-UK chief executive Steve Wiener
Those who have had a chance to look round the glitzy new cinema believe it will be as good, if not better, than the new Colchester Odeon which opened last month.
Braintree Council chairwoman Kathie Tearle, who cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony, said: "This is a fantastic facility for the whole of the district.
"It means people don't have to travel to Chelmsford or Colchester to see films any more."
Steve Wiener, chief executive of Cine UK which will run the cinema, said: "We are very pleased to be able to open in a such a rapidly-growing town as Braintree.
Published Wednesday November 6, 2002
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