Reel Cinemas (Manchester Road)

Manchester Road and Spring Hill Road,
Burnley, BB11 2EJ

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Apollo Cinemas, Reel Cinemas, UK

Previous Names: Apollo Cinema

Nearby Theaters

Reel Cinemas (Manchester Road)

The 9-screen Apollo Cinema was opened on 30th May 1997. It was a conversion of a former DIY(Do It Yourself) store. Total seating capacity was for 1,632 in the screens from 356, down to 60. The cinema has a licenced bar.

It was taken over by the Reel Cinemas chain in January 2013. It was refurbished in 2017 and the seating capacity was reduced to 1,090.

The Reel Cinema, Manchester Road was closed on 5th September 2023. The circuit had relocated to Pioneer Place, the town centre’s new £23m leisure & restaurant development, when a 7-screen Reel Cinema Pioneer Place (which has its own page on Cinema Treasures) was opened on 8th September 2023.

The final films at Reel Cinema Manchester Road included the mega hit “Barbie”, the DC superhero adventure “Blue Beetle”, the horror thriller “Cobweb”, “Meg 2:The Trench” starring Jason Statham, horror sequel “Insidious: The Red Door” and Denzel Washington in “The Equalizer 3”. It was demolished in June/July 2024.

Contributed by Ken Roe

Recent comments (view all 3 comments)

DavidSimpson
DavidSimpson on October 31, 2017 at 6:28 am

In January 2017 Reel began a major transformation of this former Apollo cinema. Screenings continued while the whole cinema was given a superb upgrade, with all nine screens being gutted and refitted with premier seating, with more leg room, and new carpets. Two of the auditoriums have been converted into VIP and a Premier Lounges.

There is also an upgraded foyer with revamped food and drink concessions including a new licensed bar. The attractively designed foyer includes digital screens showcasing the latest film times, trailers and cinema offers, and a comfortable seating area.

The ‘grand unveiling’ was held on Thursday 21st September 2017, in the presence of the Major of Burnley, Cllr Howard Baker, and MP Jack Straw, when invited guests enjoyed a screening of “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”, starring Taron Egerton and Colin Firth.

Revised seating capacities are: VIP Lounge (previously Screen 1): 29; Screen 2: 176; Premier Lounge (previously Screen 3): 29; Screen 4: 244; Screen 5: 65; Screen 6: 244; Screen 7: 65; Screen 8: 176 and Screen 9: 62. This total of 1,090 reveals the effect of the upgrading on the original seating total of 1,632.

I visited on 23rd October 2017. Deciding to treat myself, I saw “Geostorm”, starring Gerard Butler, in the VIP Lounge. Tickets cost £17.50 (or £30 for two), as opposed to £6.00 in the ‘standard’ screens, so I was a little surprised when nine other patrons joined me for this Monday afternoon screening. However, in addition to the extreme luxury, with electrically operated seats with extendable foot rests, the supply of ‘freebies’ perhaps explained this in part: I was offered a choice of popcorn or nachos, I was handed a ‘goody bag’ containing chocolate bars and a small bottle of water, a glass of orange juice or Prosecco was offered as I entered the auditorium and I was given a bottle of Budweiser as the show began. Then, halfway through the film, we were given our choice of a Galaxy ice cream bar!

My congratulations on Reel on a superb refurbishment.

popcorn_pete
popcorn_pete on September 25, 2018 at 11:00 am

The address for this cinema according to its website is Hollywood Park, Centenary Way, Burnley, BB11 2EJ although it does indeed face the Manchester Road and pretty easy to spot.

Ian
Ian on July 14, 2024 at 3:06 am

The Reel (Manchester Road) was demolished in June / July 2024

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