A NEW opening date has been set for Basildon’s East Square Empire cinema.

The cinema, part of a £25 million complex featuring six (soon to be seven) restaurant units, was initially due to open in February 2022, but the date has been repeatedly pushed back.

Empire Cinema has remained silent on the delays for months but has today issued a statement updating residents on the progress and pledging to open in the summer.

Get more great stories like this delivered to your inbox every day by signing up to our morning newsletter - don't miss out!

The firm claims issues with power supply to the building had caused the latest delay.

An Empire spokesman said: “Unfortunately, there have been a number of delays, as previously reported. These delays have had a detrimental effect on the schedule of works, meaning that we have not been able to complete our final fit-out. Work had been progressing well up to this point, with auditoria nearing completion.

“We will back on site shortly once UK Power Networks have resolved issues with the provision of permanent power supply to the building.

“In the meantime, members of our management team have been appointed and have commenced their training within the business, and in the lead up to our opening we will be reaching out to those who were successful at our recruitment assessment days to understand their current employment status and to conclude our offers of employment. Should we have any remaining vacancies then these will be advertised accordingly.

“Empire Cinemas apologises for these delays to our launch, which have been caused by factors out of our control – but look forward to welcoming Guests in Summer 2023.”

In July of last year it was revealed that the war in Ukraine had caused delays to the cinema’s opening, with Empire left waiting on the delivery of specialist projector equipment.

Councillor Craig Rimmer, responsible for Regeneration, said: “I know the residents of Basildon have waited a long time for this exciting project to come to fruition, and the unavoidable delays Empire have faced are unfortunate. I look forward to Empire Cinemas opening their doors at the earliest opportunity this summer.”