The Focal Point Cinema in Hastings reopened last year after extensive work. Photo / Supplied
The Focal Point Cinema in Hastings reopened last year after extensive work. Photo / Supplied
The Art Deco cinema complex in Hastings, home to the only movie theatre in town, is going on the market.
The Focal Point Cinema includes three state-of-the-art movie theatres with a total capacity of 428 people and a fully licensed cafe.
Bayleys Hawke's Bay commercial and industrial salesman Rollo Vavasour,said the new owner will inherit the result of lengthy and extensive renovations.
"All of the hard work and financial investment has been done, leaving the finished product ready for the new owner to reap the rewards," Mr Vavasour said. "People come from all over the Hawke's Bay to sit down in the comfort of this boutique cinema, popcorn and choc-top in hand, and watch the latest movies."
Hastings Reading Cinemas moved out of the city in January 2012, which gave the owners six months to find a possible replacement operator to keep the flicks in the city.
In May last year the cinema reopened after major restoration work including earthquake strengthening, the addition of new tiered seating, new floor coverings, acoustic wall linings, a new cafe and kitchen. The cinema has since generated positive feedback from the public.
"Customer reviews on the website TripAdvisor are exceedingly positive and testament to the fantastic job done by the current tenants," Mr Vavasour said. "Focal Point Cinema received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2014, an impressive achievement for its first year of operation."
The current tenants Matt and Julie Bell, successfully operate two other award-winning cinemas in Feilding and Levin.
Mr Bell does not anticipate the sale will affect business in any way.
"We have had a record number of admissions and turnover in April," Mr Bell said.
Mr Bell and his wife are in their third year of a 10-year lease.
The cinema offers 85 movie sessions per week of mainstream, art house and international films.
Under the Hastings District Council Proposed District Plan Operative the building is zoned central commercial and lies in the central character precinct.
Its current use as a cinema is permitted in this zone.
The original building is estimated to have been constructed in 1934 and underwent substantial refurbishment in 1994.
The freehold property is being sold with Bayleys by way of a private treaty, closing on Thursday, May 21.
