Ayr Astoria cinema reopens to public after 10-month closure

The facility on Burns Statue Square made its grand comeback on Friday, March 29, almost ten months after the former owners opted to close the venue in June last year.

Now called the Astoria Cinema, the venue is only the second to be operated by Merlin in Scotland.

Managing director Geoff Grieves and staff welcome the opening of the cinema (Image: Newsquest)

The cinema has undergone significant repair work since it was closed last year, and Merlin have transformed their screens to ensure people have the ultimate cinema experience.

But the company says it's not finished yet, with plans for further enhancements now that the building is back in use.

They also say they want to ensure the cinema experience in Ayr remains affordable for all.

There is a whole range of drinks and snack on offer (Image: Newsquest)

Matthew Coleman, from Saltcoats, used to work at the former Odeon before it closed down and now he has been welcomed back as the general manager for Astoria.

He told the Advertiser: "When we closed down before it was a really emotional time, but the fact that I have been welcomed back is exciting. I am so proud of it and it is the only job I really settled into.

"When the cinema went last year, the options for things to do in Ayr deteriorated and there was an outcry of people wanting their cinema back. It was so important to bring this building back to life for the public.

There are bags of chocolates, sweets and a pick and mix to suit all cinema goers (Image: Newsquest)

"The assistant manager and myself love films. I studied it for years and graduated in 2020. The fact that we are running our own cinema is amazing.

"We have put in a lot of hard work behind the scenes for people in Ayr to have the best experience. We really want to see that dedication and time pay off with our seats filled and happy faces."

Standard tickets are priced from £5, and further savings can be made with Merlin’s Movie Magic card.

The first film to be shown at the Astoria on Friday morning was Kung Fu Panda 4, while other screenings on its opening weekend include Godzilla x Kong; The New Empire; Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire; Bob Marley: One Love; Dune: Part Two, and Migration.

The seats have been rearranged and premier seats have been upgraded in all of the screens (Image: Newsquest)

Their regular programme will also feature special 'revival screenings' of cinema favourites and event cinema productions including opera, ballet, theatre and music concerts.

Parent and baby, relaxed (autism-friendly) and subtitled screenings for the hard of hearing are also planned.

Merlin’s popular Silver Screen strand, which includes a hot drink, biscuits and reduced-price tickets, all for £4.50, kicks off on Thursday, April 18, with award-winner Oppenheimer.

There is a selection of sweet and salty popcorn (Image: Newsquest)

Geoff Grieves, managing director of Merlin Cinemas, said: "I have a particular passion for saving old cinemas. Cinemas tend to be in multiplex buildings out of towns. They don't have the same atmosphere and experience as these buildings.

"I am very keen to try and make them work again. In years to come these traditional cinemas in the UK will be few and far between.

"It is lovely to see these cinemas brought back to life. We want to make the cinema prices affordable for people, so they can come regularly. We need people to come and see the movies for us to continue offering the price.

The cinema was re-opened to the public on Friday, March 29 (Image: Newsquest)"We can make it work if we get the local support. There has been more enthusiasm for this one reopening compared to others.  

"We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming you back, so please support it.

"Matthew and his team look forward to greeting you."

For more information about the Astoria Cinema Ayr visit merlincinemas.co.uk.