THE Omniplex Group - which runs cinema and restaurant complexes in Dundonald and Craigavon - has announced plans to extend the concept to Bangor and Omagh.
The company has invested £11 million and supported more than 200 full and part-time jobs at its current developments.
Craigavon, which opened earlier this year features a cinema and three food outlets.
And there are plans to extend the existing cinema in Dundonald.
Omniplex operations director, Paul John Anderson said the proposals to open further complexes were the culmination of two years of planning.
“We have demonstrated absolute commitment and faith in Northern Ireland by investing heavily in driving up the quality of cinema and leisure experience throughout the province and by supporting local restaurateurs," he said.
“In Dundonald we have eight restaurant and café offerings alongside a children’s play facility and the cinema which will shortly be extended to 12 screens. In Craigavon we have three restaurants and an eight-screen cinema.
“These business people have to compete with multinational names and by creating a top quality venue which people want to visit we have supported them in creating known local brands that are desirable and competitive.
“Most importantly we are bringing this investment to areas outside greater Belfast, encouraging tourism and the wider economy with local supply chains in creating jobs and re-investing the community.”
Olivia Hall, Director of the well-known Blue Chicago Grill, Sugar Ray’s, Lovebird and Burger Shack restaurants as well as Binky’s café at Dundonald said the company investment had been substantial.
“We pride ourselves on the quality and variety of food, a friendly welcoming atmosphere and providing the highest level of service across each of our restaurants. All of this has been possible in a superb OmniPark complex that drives great business and is an asset to the whole community. It is a credit to the Omniplex group and we look forward to doing more business in partnership with them in the future,” she said.
In addition to the OmniParks, Omniplex runs several standalone cinemas across the north.
“We are hugely proud of our contribution to business and job creation with 11 cinemas throughout Northern Ireland. All our current 0arks are almost fully let with great interest in the last 6000sq ft unit available at Dundonald. We are looking forward to further OmniPark developments including Omagh, bringing what we know is a winning business formula,” said Mr Anderson
Omniplex operate 11 cinemas in Northern Ireland, in Kennedy Centre and Dundonald Belfast, Antrim, Armagh, Lisburn, Newry, Carrickfergus, Craigavon, Larne, Bangor and Derry as well as operating a further 11 cinemas in the Republic,
