9:24am Friday 9th May 2008
By Steve Dancey
WORK on the fitting out of Andover's new cinema complex is progressing well with the doors now scheduled to open on 12 June.
Eagle-eyed readers may well have noticed a platform at the side of the Asda building which is being used in conjunction with a hoist to enable the workers bring in materials for the town's new four-screen attraction.
The work is being undertaken by Spacetailors, who are specialists in fitting out buildings such as cinemas and nightclubs.
Contracts manager Dave Rackstraw, said the work hasn't been any more difficult for his team despite the unique position of the cinema, housed on top of a supermarket on stilts.
"This has been our second job for Reel Cinema and hasn't proved to be too bad as we were able to gain access via the window at the side," he said.
"We have been here since the middle of March and are on track to be ready on time."
Fitting out a cinema requires a considerable amount of material, work and planning, Dave explained, and everything has to be done in the right sequence so there isn't any question of rushing the job by flooding the building with workers.
They would all get in each others' way.
Each screen has to be soundproofed from its neighbours, air conditioning installed, and facilities for disabled people and fire escapes included even before the soft furnishings, carpets seats and projection equipment are brought to the site.
One of the features of this building is the views it provides - of Andover town centre but also a bird's eye view of the changes to the River Anton which are designed to make it more inviting for wildlife.
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