Sunniside up - city's new Omniplex cinema is part of a wave of change

Once a city without a cinema for almost a year following the collapse of the Empire chain, Sunderland is now home to arguably one of the best around.

- by Katy Wheeler

This week marks the completion of the £4million refurbishment of the Omniplex cinema, which really ramps up the cinematic experience, from Great Britain's only fully sofa-bed screen to a swanky boutique offering called The Avenue.

It's been a major investment from Ireland's biggest cinema group who is expanding its footprint across England, Scotland and Wales.

In a combination of location and Sunderland City Council's drive and confidence to improve the Sunniside area, Omniplex chose Sunderland for its first, and still the only, North East location.

As improvements have been rolled out over the past six months, the cinema team say they've already seen a rise in footfall, with people keen to experience the silver screen in comfort.

Not just a cinema Sunderland can be proud of, it's sure to attract people from around the area with its elevated cinema offering.

A cornerstone development in Sunniside, it's part of a wave of change in this area of town, which has never really reached its full potential.

Here's a roundup of some of the other developments happening to help get Sunniside on the up.