After a long wait, those missing the movie-going experience during the COVID-19 pandemic are set for some relief as one of the region's cinemas is set to reopen.
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Showbiz Cinemas at Delacombe Town Centre will be the first film venue in Ballarat to reopen since restrictions eased on Sunday evening.
Set to open on Thursday, director of Showbiz Cinemas Chris Jones said he is thrilled to finally welcome back audiences into the theatre.
After three months of closure were absolutely ecstatic to be reopening.
- Showbiz Group Director, Chris Jones.
"We've seen a lot of talk on social media about when we could reopen so we were really pleased to announce we would reopen from Thursday.
"The ability for people to go to the cinema, particularly over the school holiday period, and enjoy a movie on the big screen is a great outcome for the community."
The organisation has made adjustments to reopen, with each session limited to 20 viewers and an extensive cleaning process will take place between films.
"Clearly we've got some operational procedures that will be implemented to ensure everyone's safety when they attend the cinema," Mr Jones continued.
"We have worked really hard during the close down period and have developed some excellent online training for our staff to ensure they can work in a COVID-safe environment and welcome back our customers.
"All of our cinema sessions will be spaced out and dedicated detailed cleaning undertaken after each screening."
He added while Premier Daniel Andrew's announcement that sessions would be limited to only 20 people rather than the once expected 50 was a disappointment, he and his group will continue to push forward with what they can do under current restrictions.
Ballarat's other cinema, Regent Cinemas on Lydiard Street, announced on social media last week it would remain closed until mid-July.
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