Delayed cinema opening deals major blow to town

posted by danpetitpas on October 17, 2008 at 10:45 am

EASTLEIGH, UK — The delayed opening of a new multiplex and shopping mall in this town outside of Southampton has dealt a major blow to local shop owners who had endured months of road reconstruction in preparation for the new leisure center.

Instead of opening this Christmas, the nine-screen Vue Cinema will now be delayed until Easter. Bad weather and construction problems are to blame.

Eastleigh had been hoping the new mall would bring business to the town which has been lagging behind its neighbor Southampton.

The theater is the centerpiece of the shopping center which also includes a bowling alley, bars, restaurants.

The Hampshire Chronicle reported the roadwork had decimated trade in the town and the delayed opening of the mall is “just another death knell for the town.”

Read more in the Hampshire Chronicle.