Kerridge Odeon has big plans

Press, 22 August 1987, Page 7

Kerridge Odeon has big plans

PA Auckland Multi-purpose entertainment complexes are on the Kerridge Odeon Group’s drawing board for New Zealand's main centres.

Kerridge and its new 50 per cent shareholder, the Pacer Pacific Corporation, plan to rationalise the group’s business and property interests.

The director fo the company, Mr John Kerridge, said a start would probably be made in Auckland, where two entertainment “multiplexes” are planned. They would resemble Chase Corporation’s “Mid City” centres, but would offer more, he said. As well as cinemas and restaurants, there could be ten-pin bowling alleys, bars and small theatres. The small theatres

would cater for "arthouse” films, which had become more popular in recent years, Mr Kerridge said.

“We hone to offer a diversified film programme. It has been quite amazing how people are going to more classy films now. There is a trend away from big cinemas.”

Within the next few weeks Kerridge would announce a property consultant to undertake feasibility studies for the group, he said. Depending on the results, “multiplexes” could be built in provincial towns as well as in the main cities, Mr Kerridge said. The study would also determine th division of Kerridge’s interests into two or three separate companies.