THE war in Ukraine has delayed the opening of Basildon’s new £25 million cinema complex, council and cinema bosses have revealed.

Initially, Basildon Council and Empire Cinema insisted the cinema would be open in time to watch “summer blockbusters”, but have now stated it will be delayed until October.

Construction of the cinema in East Square is complete, but specialist projector equipment must be delivered before final works can take place.

Andrew Baggott, leader of Basildon Council, has stated that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused supply issues with the equipment.

He said: “We’ve been told the opening is going to be in October, apparently Empire Cinemas want to have state of the art specialist projector equipment which is being affected by the war in Ukraine.

“There’s a massive delay in the equipment arriving and we’ve been told when it arrives it will take up to two weeks to train the staff.

“It’s set to be the first complex with this specialist projector equipment. I’ve been told this by council officers who have been told this from Empire Cinemas.

“I am massively disappointing about this and it means we will be missing out on top summer films but there’s very little we can do about it.

There have been various delays on the cinema which was initially expected to open in February.

The complex also features six restaurant units.

Pat Rackley, 72, of Devonshire Road, Laindon said: “I think this is a real shame and in this climate everyone needs something to look forward to.

“Going to the cinema is a nice family thing to do and I wish it ever success when it does open.

We really do need it open very soon as we’ve been talking about it for so long now.”

A spokesman for Empire Cinema said: “We are truly excited to bring that experience to Basildon Town Centre.

“Unfortunately, as with many other manufactured goods, ongoing supply chain issues have been exacerbated by global economic and diplomatic challenges and have delayed the manufacture and delivery of the advanced laser projection technology being incorporated into the Cinema.

“As a result, we are unable to deliver the venue in time for summer. We are now working towards an autumn opening date.”