Work to transform Manchester's Printworks will soon be underway.
The £22m investment in the iconic city centre venue has been approved as it aims for international recognition 'as a pioneering round-the-clock entertainment destination'.
The extensive work marks the first major investment since the Printworks launched in 1999, and includes the installation of a giant digital ceiling - 'Europe’s largest and a dynamic platform for immersive audio-visual performances'.
Helping to control ambience in the dining and entertainment complex, the ceiling will be complemented by a large interactive screen for customers to use.
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A new 20-year partnership has also been agreed with Vue, who operate 23 screens at Printworks, including Europe’s second largest IMAX.
The cinema is set to undergo a multi-million-pound flagship refurbishment in tandem with the wider work at the site, which is home to a number of family attractions including Treetop Adventure Golf and Escape Reality.
Printworks will remain fully open and trading throughout the refurbishment with 'minimum disruption' promised.
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A spokesperson for DTZ Investors, said: “Printworks has shown resilience through the pandemic and refurbishing this iconic venue remains part of our vision.
"The leisure sector continues to transition as visitors seek the ultimate experience with technology redefining both expectations and possibilities. Visitors will soon benefit from just that with a fully immersive and interactive environment on a scale not previously seen in the UK, making it an ideal location for existing and future venues.”
The spokesperson added: “Printworks has an exciting venue-mix from day-time family entertainment to the evening and late-night offer and we are delighted that Vue cinema has recently signed a new 20-year commitment to the scheme.
"This, alongside our extensive refurbishment, point toward Printworks remaining a prime destination leisure venue for years to come."
Printworks was originally built as Withy Grove Printing House and operated as a newspaper printers for more than a century.
It is home to several huge restaurant and bar names, including Nando's, Hard Rock Cafe, Frankie and Benny's, Wagamama, Yates and a Wetherspoons.
More recently it welcomed nightclub and bar Cargo and Brazilian-themed late night and all-day bar offering, Floripa, both owned by Shoreditch Bar Group.
