A sneak peek inside the new Kempsey Cinema

The Macleay Argus was given access ahead of the public opening to get a sneak peek inside the brand new four theatre complex.

CEO of Majestic Cinemas Kieren Dell took us on a tour through the cinema and said it's an amazing feeling seeing it all come together.

"I think the first time there was any talk of a cinema being built in Kempsey was five years ago, so it's definitely amazing being able to walk through it now," he said.

"I remember around 12 months ago there was just a slab here and now it's finished.

"It's a surreal moment actually, it's been such a long time coming."

The cinema complex has four theatres including two smaller rooms with 60 and 75 seats each, as well as two larger theatres which can seat 134 and 179 people.

"Having four screens allows us to show up to 14 movies at one time and hold 170 sessions a week. It opens up the choice and convenience for locals to pick which movie they want to see and when," Kieren said.

A special test screening event will be held at the cinema tonight for workers and their families, Kempsey Shire Council, Gowing Bros and tenants of Kempsey Central will be some of the first people to experience a movie at the new complex.

"The event tonight will really be to say thank you to the people who had a part in the project. There will be a range of movies on offer for tonight."

Tomorrow the cinema will open to the general public with a bang with one of the most anticipated sequels Frozen 2 hitting the big screen as well as Knives Out, Charlies Angels, Emu Runner and Ford v Ferrari.

"We're also going to have some older movies from this year like Bohemian Rhapsody, Ride Like a Girl and The Lion King so locals will have the chance to see these at the movies as well."

Majestic Cinemas have employed 20 local people at the Kempsey cinema, including 15 young people who have all been undertaking training in Nambucca Heads and Port Macquarie.

"We have a really good mix of people, everyone has the personality and skills we were looking for when hiring and our manager for the Kempsey Cinema, Chelsea Curyer, has been filling in for our manager at Nambucca so she is ready to take on this role."

The cinema has a stylish and modern design and incorporates the history of the Macleay Valley into this design.

"The local history and facts on the walls were designed by Gowing Bros, they wanted there to be a local touch and incorporate this new building into Kempsey," Kieren said.

Majestic Cinema's popular Movie Club will also be available for locals, offering discounted tickets and candy bar snacks to those who join. It costs $25 to sign up either at the box office or on Majestic's website.

Walking through the cinema today, the smell of popcorn filled the air as staff began preparing for the special event tonight and the public opening.

"Setting up the snack bar and putting the finishing touches throughout the cinema has really made it feel real, I'm excited for the community of Kempsey to experience their new cinema."

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