A great night out

The new Lido Cinema complex in the Centre Place shopping centre allows Hamilton cinema-goers to enjoy a variety of films in the comfort of opulent decor and a dramatic ambience reminiscent of early cinemas.

Behind the construction of these boutique theatres is an extended building development team. Pragmatix, Kiwi Income Property Trust, Richard Dalton, the operator of Auckland's Lido Cinema, and a team of designers and contractors worked closely to refurbish and fit out the cinema complex.

Pragmatix director Martin Lowery says everyone on the development team, the Hamilton City Council and local construction businesses worked hard to deliver the new cinema experience to the community.

"The city council was co-operative and its role was a key factor in the project's success. Council approvals were timely and we look forward to working on development projects in Hamilton in the future," he says.

Lowery says the theatres had to be technically excellent and, on top of that, provide a top-quality entertainment experience.

"The team has created a place where image quality, the sound system, wine, coffee, food and service are all excellent," says Lowery.

The recycling of materials was an important part of the project. Old cinema seats were donated for reuse by the Victoria Theatre Trust in Devonport, Auckland. Trust co-chair Mark Sigglekow says, "This donation got the project out of the starting blocks, and Kiwi Income Property Trust's recycling initiative and generosity were critical to our success."

Pragmatix specialises in undertaking complex projects in this case, a refurbishment within a fully operational shopping centre. The company has a strong commercial focus and discipline, yet maintains an imaginative approach to all its work, says Lowery.

For more information, contact Pragmatix, phone (09) 913 7705. Email: martinl@pragmatix.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas