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By D+CFilm, on Saturday, July 19, 2008

Falmouth is boldly strutting into the 21st century by getting its first commercial cinema for more than 20 years.

Merlin Cinemas Ltd is gonna spruce up the inside of the old Drill Hall, in Berkeley Vale, leaving the outside pretty much the same (it’s Grade II-listed, doncha know).

The new multiplex will have two main screens, seating 150 people each, and three smaller ones. There’ll also be an on-site cafe and bar – so much more convenient than an off-site cafe and bar.

It’s set to open this winter and will boast the not-very-imaginative and potentially confusing name of The Phoenix.

Still, Merlin owns cinemas in Penzance, St Ives, Redruth, Helston, Torquay, Ilfracombe and Okehampton, and has recently reopened another in Tiverton, so they probably know what they’re doing.

Indeed, Merlin Cinemas currently employs 120 staff and has a turnover of £2.75 million. Who says downloads are killing cinema?! Cuh!

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