Local movie theater plans expansion
Morgan Hill – More art films and independent fare will soon becoming to Morgan Hill.
This summer, the Cinelux Tennant Station movie theater will expand from eight to 11 screens, offering the latest cinema technology and broadening movie options for South County customers.
“Morgan Hill is a very good market and we’ve been very happy,” said Cinelux Theatres president Paul Gunsky. “It’s somewhat limited based on population, but it’s certainly been supportive of the theater we have now. Now we can offer a little more variety and offer a few more films for the public.”
The three new screens will be built in the parking lot behind the theater. Construction will begin in June and should be completed by the end of the year. The new auditoriums will be the theater’s largest and feature 40-foot screens, extra leg room and leather seats.
Cinelux operates six theaters in the South Bay and East Bay. Gunsky said the expansion was planned when Cinelux took over the decrepit theater in 2004, but the improvements could help the theater if, as expected, a megaplex of 20 or more screens opens next year in the city’s new 660,000 square-foot retail development on Cochrane Road, east of Highway 101.
“You have to provide every amenity that’s expected,” Gunsky said. “Everything from stadium seating and a digital sound system to a friendly, courteous staff and the best first-run films available. As long as you operate a top-quality facility there’s a film for everybody. Competition is nothing new to us.”
Gunsky is also hopeful that the Morgan Hill Bowl, scheduled to reopen in Tennant Station this spring will drive more customers to the theater. Closed for five years, the refurbished 32-lane alley is attached to a new bar, the Regal Beagle, and the popular Betsy’s restaurant.
“We look at the bowling alley and the major renovation as something that’s only going to complement the theater,” he said. “Anything you can do to attract the population and families [helps].”
