A long-promised cinema extension featuring an IMAX and 4DX screen is set to open in March next year, ending a seven-year wait.

Contractors are making good progress on plans to upgrade Ashford’s Cineworld on the Eureka Leisure Park after work stopped amid the pandemic last spring.

They have already refurbished 10 of the 12 existing screens in the original building and are currently erecting cladding around a striking new section behind Pizza Hut.

When complete, the 4DX technology will offer a rollercoaster-like experience where seats shake and water is sprayed on film-goers, while IMAX will feature a larger-than-average screen and steep stadium-style seating.

Although Cineworld was unable to confirm when in 2022 the extension will open, signs at the construction site show how March 10 is the estimated finish date.

Once open, visitors will access the cinema via a new entrance, with work to replace the current triangular-shaped glass frontage due to start after the much-delayed James Bond film No Time To Die has been shown.

Inside the cinema itself, a new Starbucks coffee outlet will be added to the foyer – a facility which is already offered in 38 Cineworld sites in the UK.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our venue in Ashford, which is going to allow guests to experience films in immersive IMAX and exhilarating 4DX,” a Cineworld spokeswoman said.

“As well as this, we will have a new Starbucks where guests can pick up their favourite drinks and snacks.

“We expect the renovations to be completed in 2022 and we look forward to welcoming guests to try out the new offerings.”

Work started on the extension last March – five years after the plan was approved – but the Covid lockdowns delayed construction.

It is not known whether Cineworld will continue with its plans to build two new restaurants once the new screens are complete.

Bosses have planning permission for the facilities either side of Pizza Hut – one in the cinema extension and another separate unit – but Cineworld did not respond to a request for comment on that part of the scheme.

Early artist’s impressions submitted to Ashford Borough Council showed American restaurant chain Coast to Coast would take on one of the units.

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